Are Jet-Ski Laws the Same as Boating Laws in Georgia?

While the weather is cold and boating is put on hold until temperatures begin to rise again, you might want to brush up on boating laws for jet skis in Georgia in preparation for your fun summer activities. Laws for water vessels remain the same but may vary slightly depending on the size of the watercraft.



Before you take your jet ski to the lake or ocean, you should know what is expected of you while you operate your personal watercraft vehicle. Below is a list of some of the laws you must follow in Georgia while using a jet ski.

Boating and Jet Ski Laws in Georgia

• People between the ages of 12-15 years old must pass a state approved boating safety course before they can use a personal watercraft vehicle. Alternatively, they can operate a PWC under the supervision of an adult over the age of 18 if the adult remains within 400 feet and is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• People 16 years old or older may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision or a boating safety course as long as they have a valid photo ID with them.

• While using your vessel you must stay at least 500 feet away from designated swim areas.

• You must not carry more passengers than recommended by the vessel manufacturer.

• It is illegal in Georgia to use a PWC during sunset or sunrise hours, especially if you have limited vision.

• PWC operators must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved whistle or horn on the vessel at all times.

• It is illegal in Georgia to remove any manufacturer installed backfire flame arrestors or ventilators on your vessel.

• There cannot be any other numbers shown on the bow of your vessel besides your registration number and validation sticker. These must be displayed properly. The letters must be separated from the numbers with a discernible space or hyphen and each number must be painted and shown on both sides of your bow or be applied via decal. The numbers must be in block letters and at least three inches high and the color must contrast with the background of your vessel.

• All vessels must follow the 100-foot law which requires that all water vessels slow down to an idle speed when within 100 feet of docks, piers, bridges, shorelines or people.

• Weaving recklessly between vessel traffic is illegal in Georgia, as is maneuvering in such a way that can cause unreasonable harm to you or your passengers.

• It is illegal to operate a PWC under the influence of alcohol in Georgia.

Knowing what is expected of you while out on the water can prevent you and others from harm. Your safety and the safety of others should be a priority while operating a vessel on the water, but sometimes people disregard their responsibility to others. If you were harmed due to the negligence of another person while using a PWC or boat, you should consider contacting a personal injury lawyer.

Recovery After a Boating Accident

People can be reckless out on the water especially when drugs or alcohol becomes involved. However, their failure to act responsibly should not impact you financially.

If you experienced a collision where you were injured or had your personal watercraft vehicle damaged due to another boater's negligence, you may be able to recover some of your losses with the help of a boat accident injury lawyer in Atlanta.

We’ve strived to find Atlanta lawyers who have extensive experience in all types of personal injury law. Many of these attorneys have represented clients in boat accident injury cases. They understand the unique challenges people face after these often-tragic accident. We encourage you to visit our lawyers page to find an experienced local injury law firm today.