Georgia Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Georgia boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
As of July 1, 2014, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates any motorized vessel on Georgia waters must complete a boating education course approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Boating education exemptions
Boating education is not required for:
- A person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel
- A person operating on a private lake or pond
- A non-resident who has proof of completing a NASBLA-approved boater education course or equivalency exam from another state
Available courses
Georgia courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- BoatSmart!
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | BoatSmart! |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $49.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English; Spanish | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units | 6 Modules |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 80% to pass. Retake module if failed. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | GA DNR number, eye color, and hair color | GA DNR number | Gender and GA DNR number |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Georgia course are required to provide a GA DNR number, also known as a Customer ID number.
Registration requirements may vary by course option and may include:
- GA DNR number
- Gender
- Eye color
- Hair color
Students can locate or create a GA DNR number through Go Outdoors Georgia:
https://license.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx
Course expiration and extensions
Boaterexam and Boat-Ed expire after 90 days.
BoatSmart! does not expire.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
BoatSmart! does not offer extensions.
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 10 questions and have a 24-minute time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. If a quiz is failed, the student must retake the module.
After completing the course
After completing a Georgia course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
For Boaterexam and Boat-Ed, the physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
Persons under 12 years old:
- May not legally operate a personal watercraft
- May not legally operate any vessel 16 feet or longer
- May operate a boat less than 16 feet and powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less only if accompanied by a competent adult
Persons 12 to 15 years old:
- May not legally operate any vessel 16 feet or longer
- May operate a personal watercraft or vessel less than 16 feet if they have passed a boating education course approved by the DNR or are accompanied by a competent adult
Persons 16 years old or older may legally operate any boat or personal watercraft on Georgia state waters if they have proper identification on board, such as a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID with date of birth.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com for students who completed an online course with us.
Students who completed a classroom course with the Georgia DNR may need to log in to their Go Outdoors Georgia account to print or request their card.
Replacement card website: