How Long Does the Georgia Boater Safety Course Take?
The Georgia boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online. That minimum is set by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and enforced by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Law Enforcement Division.
Those three hours cover the required instructional content. Your total time depends on your reading pace, how long you spend on each unit, and how quickly you work through the final exam. Most students complete the full online course, including the exam, in three to four hours.
In-person classroom options are also available through GA DNR-approved providers. Keep reading to learn what the course covers, how Georgia's requirements work, and how to get your Georgia boating license.
What's Included in the Georgia Boater Safety Course?
The Georgia DNR-approved course covers the knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and legally on Georgia waterways.
Topics include:
- Navigation rules
- Right-of-way
- Required safety equipment
- Georgia-specific boating laws
- Emergency procedures
- And more
The course is structured in units, each ending with a quiz. You must score at least 80% on the final exam to pass. The Boat-Ed course offers unlimited exam attempts, so you can review the material and try again as many times as needed.
For a full overview of what the course covers and what the law requires, visit our Georgia boating laws and regulations resource.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
First, find out if you need a boating license in Georgia. Then, choose a course that fits your schedule.
Georgia Boater Safety Course Formats: | ||
Format | Minimum Time | Notes |
| Online | 3 hours | Self-paced; save your progress and come back to it anytime |
| Classroom | Varies | Length and cost vary by provider; check with your provider |
Online is the most flexible option and can be completed on any device across as many sessions as you need. This GA DNR Law Enforcement boating education resource has information on all approved course options.
How to Get Your Georgia Boater Education Card
Follow these steps to complete the course and receive your Georgia Boater Education Card.
Step 1: Get your GA DNR Customer ID Number.
Before enrolling in the course, you'll need a GA DNR Customer ID Number. Visit the GoGeorgiaOutdoors website to locate an existing number or create a new one. You can also call 1-800-366-2661 or visit a local license agent.
Step 2: Enroll in a DNR-approved boating safety course.
Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard right away. The Georgia boating safety course from Boat-Ed is fully online, self-paced, and can be completed in as little as three hours on any device.
Step 3: Pass the final exam.
After completing all course units, take the final exam. You need a score of at least 80% to pass, with unlimited attempts available.
Step 4: Print your temporary certificate.
After passing, print your temporary Georgia Boater Education Certificate immediately, or request a PDF by email. The temporary certificate is valid for 60 days while your permanent card is processed.
Step 5: Receive your permanent card.
Your permanent Georgia Boater Education Card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The card is valid for life and must be carried on board whenever you operate a qualifying vessel.
How Much Does the Georgia Boater Safety Course Cost?
The Boat-Ed course fee covers everything you need to take the course, pass the final exam, and get your card.
Georgia Boater Safety Course Costs | |
| Course | Cost |
| Boat-Ed online course | $54.95 |
| Other approved providers | $30–$80 |
Georgia does not charge a separate state fee for the Boater Education Card. Your permanent card is issued by the DNR at no additional cost.
Can You Split the Course Into Multiple Sessions?
Yes. The online course saves your progress automatically after each lesson. You can log out and return at any time. There is no time limit to complete the course once you enroll.
Georgia requires a Boater Education Card for anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates a motorized vessel. Remember to have your GA DNR Customer ID Number ready before you start the course enrollment process.
Start Your Georgia Boater Safety Course Today
From Lake Lanier to the Chattahoochee River, Georgia's waterways offer something for every kind of boater. The online course takes as little as three hours to complete, and your card is valid for life.
Take the Georgia boating safety course on Boat-Ed and get on the water ready and legal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the Georgia boater safety course take?
A: The Georgia boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online, as required by NASBLA and enforced by the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division. Most students finish the full course and exam in three to four hours, depending on their pace.
Q: Do I need anything before I start the Georgia boater safety course?
A: Yes. You'll need a GA DNR Customer ID Number before enrolling. Visit gooutdoorsgeorgia.com to find an existing number or create a new one before starting the course.
Q: Can I take the Georgia boater safety course in multiple sittings?
A: Yes. The online course saves your progress automatically after each lesson. You can log out and return at any time without losing your place.
Q: What score do I need to pass the Georgia boater safety exam?
A: You must score at least 80% on the final exam. Unlimited attempts are available, so you can review the course material and retake the exam as many times as needed.
Q: How much does the Georgia boater safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed online course is $54.95. Other approved providers typically range from $30 to $80. Georgia does not charge a separate state fee for the Boater Education Card.
Q: How long does it take to receive my Georgia Boater Education Card?
A: You can print a temporary certificate immediately after passing the exam. It is valid for 60 days. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Q: Does the Georgia Boater Education Card expire?
A: No. The Georgia Boater Education Card is valid for life and does not require renewal.
