Bill > HB556

This bill amends Georgia's watercraft rental and operation regulations by establishing new requirements for boat rentals and mandatory education courses. The bill raises the minimum age for renting a vessel with ten horsepower or more from 16 to 18 years old and requires that renters complete a department-approved rental education course. The rental education course must be at least ten minutes long and cover topics such as operator responsibility, safety equipment, navigation rules, waterway markers, and proper identification. Rental education certificates will be valid for six months and issued upon successful course completion. Exceptions to the course requirement include individuals licensed by the US Coast Guard as vessel masters, those with valid boater education identification cards, or those with proof of completing approved boating education courses from other states. Violations of these regulations will be considered misdemeanors. The bill aims to improve boating safety by ensuring that vessel renters have a basic understanding of safe boating practices and responsible watercraft operation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70606