reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 6 - PILOTS AND PILOTAGE (§§ 52-6-1 — 52-6-54) › Article 2 - PILOTS GENERALLY (§§ 52-6-30 — 52-6-54) › Section 52-6-49 - Liabilities and penalties for failure to take pilot or pay pilotage fees

(a)
Any vessel that fails to take a pilot required under this chapter or that is operated in violation of any other requirement of this chapter or the regulations adopted by the commissioners under the authority of this chapter may be assessed a civil penalty by the commissioners in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00 per violation. Any vessel assessed such a penalty shall be liable in rem for the payment of the penalty amount.
(b)
The owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or individual in charge of a vessel that fails to take a pilot required under this chapter or who violates any other requirement of this chapter or the regulations adopted by the commissioners under the authority of this chapter may be assessed a civil penalty by the commissioners in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00 per violation.
(c)
Any owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or individual in charge of a vessel who knowingly and willfully refuses to take a pilot required under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(d)
Any vessel and the owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or individual in charge of the vessel that fails to take a pilot required under this chapter or that fails to pay the applicable pilotage fee when a pilot has been taken shall be liable to the first pilot who offered pilotage services, in the case of a vessel failing to take a required pilot, or to the pilot who performed the pilotage services, in the case of a vessel taking the pilot but failing to pay the pilotage fee, for the full amount of the applicable pilotage fee. The pilot is given a lien on the vessel and its tackle, apparel, and furniture for the collection of the fees.
(e)
The liabilities and penalties provided for in this Code section are cumulative and are in addition to any rights or remedies available to a pilot or pilots, the commissioners, or to the state under any other law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 6 - PILOTS AND PILOTAGE (§§ 52-6-1 — 52-6-54) › Article 2 - PILOTS GENERALLY (§§ 52-6-30 — 52-6-54) › Section 52-6-50 - Fees of pilots aiding vessel in distress

Any pilot belonging to any port in this state meeting at sea with any vessel in distress, which is bound to another port within this state, shall, if capable and thereunto required, take charge of and pilot such vessel into such port and shall be paid $10.00 a day for every day he may be aboard such vessel at sea, without the bars, and over and above the usual rate of pilotage; and no other pilot shall interfere with him while he is willing to continue his services.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 6 - PILOTS AND PILOTAGE (§§ 52-6-1 — 52-6-54) › Article 2 - PILOTS GENERALLY (§§ 52-6-30 — 52-6-54) › Section 52-6-51 - Right of pilot boat to one-third of inward and outward pilotage fee

Any pilot boat which places a pilot on board a vessel for the purpose of conducting it into any of the rivers or harbors mentioned in this chapter shall be entitled to one-third of the inward pilotage fee and any pilot boat which takes a pilot off of a vessel shall be entitled to one-third of the outward pilotage fee.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 6 - PILOTS AND PILOTAGE (§§ 52-6-1 — 52-6-54) › Article 2 - PILOTS GENERALLY (§§ 52-6-30 — 52-6-54) › Section 52-6-52 - Liability for detaining pilots on vessels

The owner, master, consignee, or charterer of any vessel who carries any pilot against his consent to any foreign or other port shall be liable to such pilot in an action on the case for the payment of his reasonable expenses and $10.00 a day during his necessary absence, provided the carrying away of the pilot is not owing to his own misconduct or negligence; and, if a pilot is detained on board, wind and weather permitting the vessel to go to sea, the owner, master, consignee, or charterer shall be liable to pay the pilot $10.00 a day for every day he is so detained.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 6 - PILOTS AND PILOTAGE (§§ 52-6-1 — 52-6-54) › Article 2 - PILOTS GENERALLY (§§ 52-6-30 — 52-6-54) › Section 52-6-53 - Compulsory retirement of pilots

Pilots for their respective ports shall be honorably retired at age 65 and no pilot who has been so retired shall thereafter be entitled to act as a licensed pilot, provided that no pilot shall be compulsorily retired at age 65 unless there is in effect a pension system for pilots of the port at which he serves.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 6 - PILOTS AND PILOTAGE (§§ 52-6-1 — 52-6-54) › Article 2 - PILOTS GENERALLY (§§ 52-6-30 — 52-6-54) › Section 52-6-54 - Acting as pilot without license; interfering with or disturbing licensed pilot

(a)
Any person who pilots or conducts any vessel underway in the waters of any of the bays, rivers, harbors, or ports of this state or the approaches thereto and who has no authority or license to act as a pilot or has had such authority or license suspended or revoked shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b)
Any person who interferes with or disturbs a licensed pilot in the performance of his duty shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(c)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code section, any person may assist a vessel in distress which has no pilot on board if such person delivers up the vessel to the first licensed pilot who comes on board and offers to conduct it.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-1 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Boat Safety Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-2 - Declaration of policy

It is the policy of this state to promote safety for persons and property in and connected with the use, operation, and equipment of vessels and to promote the uniformity of laws relating thereto.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-6 - Exemptions from numbering requirements

A vessel shall not be required to be numbered under Code Sections
52-7-4
and
52-7-5
if it is:
(1)
Not motor propelled; provided, however, that sailboats 12 feet or more in length shall require registration;
(2)
Covered by a certificate of number in full force and effect which has been issued to it pursuant to federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state, provided that such vessel shall not be used on the waters of this state for a period in excess of 60 consecutive days;
(3)
From a country other than the United States, provided that such vessel shall not be used on the waters of this state for a period in excess of 60 consecutive days;
(4)
A vessel whose owner is the United States, a state, or a subdivision thereof, which vessel is used exclusively in the nonrecreation public service and which is clearly identifiable as such;
(5)
A vessel's lifeboat if the boat is used solely for lifesaving purposes; this exemption does not include dinghies, tenders, speedboats, or other types of craft carried aboard vessels and used for other than lifesaving purposes;
(6)
A vessel that is used exclusively for racing;
(7)
A vessel belonging to a class of boats which has been exempted from numbering by the department after the department has found that:
(A)
The numbering of vessels of such class will not materially aid in their identification;
(B)
An agency of the federal government has a numbering system applicable to the class of vessel to which the vessel in question belongs; and
(C)
The vessel would also be exempt from numbering if it were subject to the federal law;
(8)
Operating temporarily by virtue of evidence that an application for a certificate of number has been submitted within the previous 60 days; or
(9)
Used exclusively on privately owned ponds or lakes, except for those licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 292,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 456,§ 4, eff. 4/14/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-7 - Dealers' vessels

(a)
Any dealer may obtain certificates of number to be used only for the purpose of testing or demonstrating vessels owned by the dealer. The fee for the first certificate of number issued to any dealer for each vessel classification shall be the same fee as prescribed in subsection (d) of Code Section
52-7-5
and the dealer may then be issued additional certificates of number for testing and demonstrating purposes at a reduced fee as provided by the board. The amount of the reduced fee shall be determined by the board and shall be a reasonable approximation of the cost of producing and distributing the certificates of number and may be changed from time to time.
(b)
Dealers shall be authorized to transfer certificates of number issued pursuant to this Code section from one vessel to another vessel in the same classification.
(c)
Any dealer desiring certificates of number shall make application for them on standard vessel registration forms which shall be accompanied by an affidavit stating that the applicant is a vessel dealer or manufacturer.
(d)
Numbers assigned by such certificates shall be temporarily placed on vessels within the certificate's class range whenever such vessels are being tested or demonstrated and must be plainly marked "DEALER." Such temporary placement of numbers shall be as the board shall provide by regulation.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 292,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-7.1 - Hull identification numbers required; penalty for violations

(a)
No person shall operate on the waters of this state a vessel manufactured after November 1, 1972, unless the vessel displays an assigned hull identification number as required by the United States Coast Guard or by the issuing authority, except any of those vessels exempted by Code Section
52-7-7.6
. The hull identification number shall be carved, burned, stamped, embossed, or otherwise permanently affixed to the outboard side of the transom or the starboard side within two feet of the transom above the waterline in accordance with federal law or as directed by the issuing authority.
(b)
No person shall operate on the waters of this state a vessel that was manufactured before November 1, 1972, for which an issuing authority has issued a hull identification number unless the hull identification number is clearly displayed on the hull of the vessel as described in subsection (a) of this Code section.
(c)
No person shall destroy, remove, alter, cover, or deface the hull identification number, or any plate or decal bearing such number, of any vessel, except to make necessary repairs that require the removal of the HIN. Immediately upon completion of any repairs requiring the destruction, removal, alteration, covering, or defacing of a vessel's HIN, the person shall reaffix the hull identification number to the vessel in accordance with federal law or shall apply for a replacement hull identification number from the department.
(d)
No person shall assign the same hull identification number to more than one vessel.
(e)
Any person who willfully violates subsection (c) or (d) of this Code section with intent to misrepresent the identity of a vessel so as to convert or defraud shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $5,000.00, by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 456,§ 5, eff. 4/14/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-7.2 - Display of hull identification numbers on new vessels

Each vessel manufactured or built after April 14, 2006, for sale in this state shall have a hull identification number displayed prior to sale or delivery for sale in accordance with federal law and this article. The hull identification number shall not be altered or replaced by the manufacturer or manufacturer's representative for the purpose of upgrading the model year of a vessel after being offered for sale or delivered to any dealer.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 456,§ 5, eff. 4/14/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-7.3 - Seizure of vessels without hull identification numbers; seizure of related property; inspections

(a)
If the hull identification number on a vessel required by Code Section
52-7-7.1
or
52-7-7.2
to have a hull identification number does not exist or has been altered, removed, destroyed, covered, or defaced or the real identity of the vessel cannot be determined, the vessel, and any items used while towing such vessel, may be seized as contraband by a law enforcement agency or the department and shall be subject to forfeiture in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 16 of Title 9.
(b)
A vessel described in subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be sold or operated on the waters of the state unless the department:
(1)
Receives a request from a law enforcement agency providing adequate documentation for a replacement hull identification number; or
(2)
Is directed by written order of a court of competent jurisdiction to issue to the vessel a replacement hull identification number.
(c)
The failure to have the hull identification number clearly displayed in compliance with this article shall be probable cause for any law enforcement officer to make further inspection of the vessel in question to ascertain the true identity thereof.
(d)
Prior to the vessel being sold or returned to the owner or otherwise disposed of, the department shall assign it a new hull identification number in accordance with federal law.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 98,§ 3-30, eff. 7/1/2015.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 456,§ 5, eff. 4/14/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-7.4 - [Repealed] Property not subject to replevin; report by law enforcement agency of seizure of property; procedures

Repealed by 2015 Ga. Laws 98,§ 3-31, eff. 7/1/2015.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 456,§ 5, eff. 4/14/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-7.5 - Counterfeit hull identification numbers; penalty

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly possess, manufacture, sell or exchange, offer to sell or exchange, aid in the sale or exchange, supply in blank, authorize, direct, or give away any counterfeit HIN, any counterfeit manufacturer's vessel HIN plate or decal, or any manufacturer's vessel HIN plate decal which is assigned to a vessel to be used for the purpose of identification of a vessel other than the one to which it is assigned; or to conspire to do any of the foregoing. However, nothing in this subsection shall be applicable to any approved hull identification number plate or decal issued as a replacement by the manufacturer or an issuing authority.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly buy, sell, offer for sale, receive, dispose of, conceal, or have in his or her possession any vessel, outboard motor, or part thereof on which the HIN or any manufacturer's identification label of any kind has been altered, removed, destroyed, covered, or defaced or to knowingly maintain such vessel, outboard motor, or part thereof in any manner which conceals or misrepresents the true identity of the vessel, the outboard motor, or any part thereof.
(c)
Any person who violates subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $5,000.00, by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 456,§ 5, eff. 4/14/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-7.6 - Exception to requirement for hull identification numbers

A vessel shall not be required to have a hull identification number under Code Section
52-7-7.1
or
52-7-7.2
if it is:
(1)
An innertube; or
(2)
A vessel used exclusively for racing.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 456,§ 5, eff. 4/14/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-9 - Boat liveries

(a)
The owner of a boat livery shall cause to be kept a record of the name and address of the person or persons renting, leasing, or chartering any vessel, the identification number thereof, the departure date and time, and the expected time of return. The record shall be preserved for at least six months.
(b)
Neither the owner of a boat livery nor his or her agent or employees shall permit any vessel to depart from his or her premises unless it shall have been provided either by the owner or renter with the equipment required pursuant to Code Section
52-7-8
and any rules and regulations made pursuant thereto.
(c)
No boat livery vessel, except those having a length of 16 feet or less with a depth of 16 inches or less, shall be operated by any person unless there is on board a copy of the rental agreement authorizing such operation which shows the vessel number, the period of time the vessel is authorized for use by such operator, and any other pertinent information that the department may require.
(d)
If a boat livery has obtained insurance coverage as provided for in Code Section 51-1-22.1, such boat livery shall display in conspicuous locations where boat livery vessels are rented, leased, or chartered the following written disclaimer, provided that such written disclaimer shall also accompany the rental agreement for a boat livery vessel:
"NOTICE: THE OWNER OF THIS BOAT LIVERY HAS AN INSURANCE POLICY WHICH INSURES SUCH BOAT LIVERY AND DOES NOT INSURE YOU. ANY INSURANCE POLICIES THAT YOU HAVE MAY NOT COVER DAMAGES OR INJURIES CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY YOUR OPERATION OF A BOAT LIVERY VESSEL. YOU MAY BE PERSONALLY LIABLE FOR SUCH DAMAGES OR INJURIES."
(e)
A boat livery's provision of the written disclaimer provided for in subsection (d) of this Code section shall not constitute the selling, soliciting, or negotiating of insurance.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 590,§ 2, eff. 5/6/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-10 - Exhausts to be muffled; exemptions; noise level testing

(a)
The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any vessel, excluding those vessels documented by the United States Coast Guard and licensed pursuant to Code Section
27-2-8
, shall be muffled or baffled and water injected, except those engines that exhaust through the lower unit or outdrive when the vessel is on plane, so as to decrease noise. Vessels competing in regattas or boat races approved under the provisions of Code Section
52-7-19
may be exempt from such provisions.
(b)
The operator of any vessel, when requested to do so by any law enforcement officer authorized to enforce this title, shall submit the vessel to a noise level test.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-12.1 - Reckless operation of vessel or other water device

Any person who operates any vessel or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane, surfboard, tube, or similar device in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property commits the offense of reckless operation of a vessel or other water device.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-12.2 - Homicide by vessel

(a)
Any person who, without malice aforethought, causes the death of another person through the violation of subsection (j) of Code Section
52-7-8.2
, Code Section
52-7-12
or
52-7-12.1
, subsection (b) of Code Section
52-7-13
, or subsection (c) of Code Section
52-7-25
commits the offense of homicide by vessel in the first degree. A person convicted under this subsection shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than 15 years.
(b)
Any operator of a vessel who, without malice aforethought, causes a collision or accident which causes the death of another person and leaves the scene of the collision or accident in violation of subsection (a) of Code Section
52-7-14
commits the offense of homicide by vessel in the first degree and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than 15 years.
(c)
Any person who causes the death of another person, without an intention to do so, by violating any provision of this title other than subsection (j) of Code Section
52-7-8.2
, Code Section
52-7-12
or
52-7-12.1
, subsection (b) of Code Section
52-7-13
, subsection (a) of Code Section
52-7-14
, or subsection (c) of Code Section
52-7-25
commits the offense of homicide by vessel in the second degree when such violation is the cause of said death. A person convicted under this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Code Section
17-10-3
.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 793,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-12.3 - Feticide by vessel

(a)
For the purposes of this Code section, the term "unborn child" means a member of the species homo sapiens at any stage of development who is carried in the womb.
(b)
(1)
A person commits the offense of feticide by vessel in the first degree if he or she causes the death of an unborn child by any injury to the mother of such child through the violation of subsection (j) of Code Section
52-7-8.2
, Code Section
52-7-12
or
52-7-12.1
, subsection (b) of Code Section
52-7-13
, subsection (a) of Code Section
52-7-14
, or subsection (c) of Code Section
52-7-25
, which would be homicide by vessel in the first degree as provided in subsection (a) or (b) of Code Section
52-7-12.2
if it resulted in the death of such mother.
(2)
A person convicted of the offense of feticide by vessel in the first degree shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than 15 years.
(c)
(1)
A person commits the offense of feticide by vessel in the second degree if he or she causes the death of an unborn child by any injury to the mother of such child by violating any provision of this title other than subsection (j) of Code Section
52-7-8.2
, Code Section
52-7-12
or
52-7-12.1
, subsection (b) of Code Section
52-7-13
, subsection (a) of Code Section
52-7-14
, or subsection (c) of Code Section
52-7-25
, which would be homicide by vessel in the second degree as provided in subsection (c) of Code Section
52-7-12.2
if it resulted in the death of such mother.
(2)
A person convicted of the offense of feticide by vessel in the second degree shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Code Section
17-10-3
.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 793,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2008.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 654,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-12.4 - Serious injury by vessel

Whoever, without malice, shall cause bodily harm to another by depriving him or her of a member of his or her body, by rendering a member of his or her body useless, by seriously disfiguring his or her body or a member thereof, or by causing organic brain damage which renders the body or any member thereof useless through the violation of subsection (j) of Code Section
52-7-8.2
or Code Section
52-7-12
or Code Section
52-7-12.1
or subsection (b) of Code Section
52-7-13
or subsection (a) of Code Section
52-7-14
or subsection (c) of Code Section
52-7-25
shall be guilty of the crime of serious injury by vessel. A person convicted under this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-12.7 - Suspension of privileges to operate a vessel upon waters of this state for violations of vessel laws

(a)
Except as provided for in Code Sections
52-7-12
,
52-7-12.5
, and
52-7-12.6
, and notwithstanding criminal proceedings that may be initiated by law, upon a determination by the department that a person has violated this chapter or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant thereto, is in noncompliance with a citation issued by another state regarding the operation of a vessel, or is suspended by another state from operating a vessel, the department may suspend such person's privilege to operate a vessel upon the waters of this state for a period of up to two years following the determination of such violation, or if the suspension is due to noncompliance with a citation or a suspension regarding the operation of a vessel in another state, then such person's privilege to operate a vessel upon the waters of this state may remain suspended until satisfactory evidence of compliance or restoration of privileges from the other state has been received by the department as such satisfactory evidence is determined by rules and regulations of the department. Such person shall be notified of the proposed suspension personally or by a letter sent by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery at such person's last known address. The notice shall inform such person of the grounds of suspension, the effective date of the suspension, and the right to review. The notice shall be deemed received three days after mailing. The proposed suspension shall become final 30 days after issuance of notice if the proposed suspension is not appealed as provided in this Code section.
(b)
Any person whose privilege is proposed for suspension shall, upon petition within 30 days of issuance of notice given as stated in subsection (a) of this Code section, have a right to a hearing before an administrative law judge appointed by the board. The hearing before the administrative law judge shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," and the rules and regulations adopted by the board pursuant thereto. The decision of the administrative law judge shall constitute the final decision of the board, and any party to the hearing, including the department, shall have the right of judicial review thereof in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
(c)
Any person who operates a vessel on any of the waters of this state at a time when such person's privilege to do so has been suspended under this Code section shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of Code Section
52-7-12.6
.
Added by 2014 Ga. Laws 605,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-13.1 - Limitation on wakeboarding or wakesurfing

(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, no person shall engage in wakesurfing or wakeboarding upon waters of this state:
(1)
Between sunset and sunrise;
(2)
Within 200 feet of any moored vessel; any wharf, dock, pier, piling, or bridge structure or abutment; or any shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area; or
(3)
When surfing a wake or being towed on a board, without wearing a personal flotation device.
(b)
This Code section shall not apply to:
(1)
A regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition for which the commissioner has granted a marine event permit pursuant to Code Section
52-7-19
; or
(2)
Intracoastal waterways, rivers, or private lakes.
Added by 2023 Ga. Laws 241,§ 1-2, eff. 7/1/2023.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-15 - Furnishing information to federal officials and agencies

In accordance with any request duly made by an authorized official or agency of the United States, any information compiled or otherwise available to the department pursuant to subsection (c) of Code Section
52-7-14
shall be transmitted to such official or agency of the United States for analytical and statistical purposes.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-16 - Towing persons on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards or similar device

(a)
No person shall operate a vessel on any of the waters of this state for towing a person or persons on water skis, aquaplane, surfboard, or any similar device unless the vessel is equipped with a wide-angle mirror mounted in such a manner as to permit the operator of the vessel to observe at all times the person or persons being towed or unless there is in such vessel a competent person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe at all times the person or persons being towed.
(b)
No person shall operate any vessel on any of the waters of this state for towing a person or persons on water skis, aquaplane, surfboard, or similar devices nor shall any person or persons engage in water skiing, aquaplaning, surfboarding, or similar activities unless such person or persons being towed are wearing a ski belt, ski jacket, or a Type I, II, or III United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.
(c)
No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of this state towing a person or persons on water skis, aquaplane, surfboard, or similar devices nor shall any person engage in water skiing, aquaplaning, surfboarding, or similar activity at any time between the hours from sunset to sunrise.
(d)
Subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this Code section do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person or persons engaged in an activity authorized under Code Section
52-7-19
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-17 - Speed and load restrictions; riding of bow or gunwale of vessel

(a)
The speed of each vessel shall at all times be regulated so as to avoid danger or injury or damage or unnecessary inconvenience, directly or by the effect of the wash or wave raised by the vessel, while in the vicinity of swimming areas, docks, floating boat houses, moored boats, or boats engaged in fishing activities.
(b)
No vessel shall be loaded beyond the recommended capacity.
(c)
No person operating any vessel shall allow any person or persons to ride the bow or gunwale of any vessel nor shall any person or persons ride on the bow or gunwale of any vessel unless the vessel is equipped with a railing or some other retaining device on the bow or gunwale, so located that any person or persons might hold to such railing or other retaining device to avoid falling or being thrown overboard. For the purposes of this Code section, eyes or cleats shall not be considered retaining devices.
(d)
No vessel shall be operated at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, and such vessel's operator shall have regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-20 - Operation of vessels in vicinity of regulatory markers and aids to navigation; tampering with regulatory markers and aids to navigation

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Aids to navigation" means buoys, beacons, or other fixed objects in the water which are used to mark obstructions to navigation or to direct navigation through safe channels.
(2)
"Regulatory markers" means any anchored or fixed marker in or on the water or any sign on the shore or on a bridge over the water other than aids to navigation and shall include, but not be limited to, bathing markers, speed zone markers, information markers, danger zone markers, boat keep-out area markers, and mooring buoys.
(b)
It shall be unlawful to operate a power boat, except at an idle speed, or to create a wake in the vicinity of those marinas, bridges, public access ramps, and blind points which are identified by appropriate signs and markers which conform to the system of aids to navigation prescribed by the United States Coast Guard and to the system of uniform waterway markers approved by the Advisory Panel of State Officials to the Merchant Marine Council or on any portion of the Chattahoochee River between the Morgan Falls Dam and the Georgia Highway 400 bridge which the department so marks as being so restricted.
(c)
It shall be unlawful to tow a person on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, or any similar device or to manipulate any such device on any public waters of the state which the commissioner has designated as a hazardous area or on the Chattahoochee River between the Morgan Falls Dam and the Georgia Highway 400 bridge in any area identified by regulatory markers as a no ski area.
(d)
The commissioner is authorized to regulate and restrict vessel operation and other recreational water related activities on the public waters of the state. The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to place or designate the placement of signs and markers so as to identify the areas restricted by this Code section.
(e)
No city, county, or individual may attempt to regulate the public waters of this state by use of the above-mentioned signs and markers without the express written permission of the commissioner of natural resources.
(f)
The operation of any vessel within prohibited areas that are marked shall be prima-facie evidence of negligent operation.
(g)
It shall be unlawful for a person to operate a vessel on the waters of this state in a manner other than that prescribed or permitted by regulatory markers.
(h)
No person shall moor or fasten a vessel to or willfully damage, tamper, remove, obstruct, or interfere with any aid to navigation or regulatory marker established pursuant to this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-21 - Local regulations concerning operation, equipment, numbering, and other matters relating to vessels

(a)
This article and other applicable laws of this state shall govern the operation, equipment, and numbering of vessels and all other matters relating thereto, whenever any vessel shall be operated on the waters of this state or when any activity regulated by this article shall take place thereon; but nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the adoption of any ordinance or local law relating to operation and equipment of vessels, the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of this article, amendments thereto, or regulations issued thereunder, provided that such ordinances or local laws shall be operative only so long as and to the extent that they continue to be identical to provisions of this article, amendments thereto, or regulations issued thereunder.
(b)
Any political subdivision may at any time, but only after approval by the commissioner upon a showing of necessity because of unusual or special circumstances, adopt any ordinance or local law relating to the operation and equipment of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits which is more stringent than those provided for in this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-22 - Comprehensive boating educational programs; required completion; exception

(a)
The department shall establish a comprehensive boating education program and may seek the cooperation of boatmen, the federal government, and other states. The department may accept moneys made available under federal safety programs and may issue boating certificates to persons who complete courses in boating education.
(b)
Effective July 1, 2014, and except as otherwise provided by this chapter, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates any motorized vessel on the waters of this state shall complete a boating education course approved by the department prior to the operation of such vessel.
(c)
A person shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section if he or she is:
(1)
Licensed by the United States Coast Guard as a master of a vessel;
(2)
Operating such vessel on a private lake or pond; or
(3)
A nonresident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved boater education course or the equivalency from another state.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 26,§ 11, eff. 5/15/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-23 - Power of Board of Natural Resources to adopt rules and regulations

The Board of Natural Resources is authorized to adopt any regulations necessary for the administration and enforcement of this article, including, but not limited to, regulations setting forth the criteria for determining when an indemnity bond shall be required under Code Section
52-7-19
and the appropriate amount of the bond and when a forfeiture bond shall be required under Code Section
52-7-19
, the appropriate amount of the bond, and the conditions for default thereunder. In adopting the indemnity bond regulations, the board shall include, without limitation, criteria relating to the expense of restoring the water body and its surrounding area to the state of cleanliness existing before the conduct of an event authorized under Code Section
52-7-19
. In adopting the forfeiture bond regulations, the board shall include, without limitation, criteria relating to the magnitude of the event, the water body and surrounding area upon which it will be held, and the potential public safety hazard inherent in the event. The board may, by regulation, establish bond forfeiture conditions for categories of noncompliance, including, but not limited to, failure or refusal to comply with requirements to provide facilities for the convenience of participants and spectators, requirements relating to public safety, and requirements relating to damage to the water body and surrounding area upon which the event was held.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-24 - Filing and publication of rules and regulations and amendments thereto

A copy of the regulations adopted pursuant to this article and of any amendments thereto shall be filed in the office of the department and in the office of the Secretary of State. Rules and regulations shall be published by the department in a convenient form.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-26) › Section 52-7-26 - Penalty

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this article, any person who violates this article or any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. For purposes of establishing criminal violations of the rules and regulations promulgated by the board as provided in this article, the term 'rules and regulations' means those rules and regulations of the board in force and effect on January 1, 2024.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (d) of Code Section
17-6-12
, the release of a person on an unsecured judicial release as provided for in Code Section
17-6-12
for violations under Code Sections
52-7-12
,
52-7-12.2
,
52-7-12.3
, and
52-7-12.4
shall be prohibited.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 493,§ 10, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 239,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 29,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2023, app. to all offenses committed on or after 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 770,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 32,§ 3-1, eff. 4/27/2021.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 547,§ 3-4, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 605,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 544,§ 3, eff. 5/1/2014.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 26,§ 12, eff. 5/15/2013.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 676,§ 29, eff. 5/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 1A - INTERSTATE BOATING VIOLATOR COMPACT (§§ 52-7-30 — 52-7-31) › Section 52-7-31 - Administration of compact; reciprocal suspension when operating privileges suspended in party state; Board of Natural Resources to publish rules and regulations; creation of compact manual

(a)
The commissioner of natural resources shall appoint an Interstate Boating Violator Compact administrator for this state. Such administrator shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner.
(b)
The department may suspend the operating privileges of any person to operate a vessel upon the waters of this state as provided for in Code Section
52-7-12.7
to the extent that such person's privileges to operate a vessel upon the waters of a state have been suspended when such state is a party state, as such term is defined in Code Section
52-7-30
.
(c)
The Board of Natural Resources shall make and publish such rules and regulations, including the creation of the compact manual, not inconsistent with law, as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.
Added by 2014 Ga. Laws 605,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 2 - DISPLAYING OF WATERCRAFT INFORMATION (§§ 52-7-40 — 52-7-51) › Section 52-7-40 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Capacity plate" means a plate attached to watercraft with information thereon as provided in this article.
(2)
"Manufacturer" means a person, firm, or corporation who constructs or assembles a watercraft or alters a watercraft in such manner as to change its weight capacity.
(3)
"Watercraft" means any boat, vessel, or craft, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, which is less than 26 feet in length and is designed to carry two or more persons.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 52 - WATERS OF THE STATE, PORTS, AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-1-1 — 52-10-4) › Chapter 7 - REGISTRATION, OPERATION, AND SALE OF WATERCRAFT (§§ 52-7-1 — 52-7-77) › Article 2 - DISPLAYING OF WATERCRAFT INFORMATION (§§ 52-7-40 — 52-7-51) › Section 52-7-41 - Requirement as to attachment of capacity plates to vessels generally

It shall be unlawful to manufacture, sell, or offer for sale in this state any watercraft to which a capacity plate has not been attached.