GA HB556

Raises the minimum age to rent vessels of 10 horsepower or more from 16 to 18 years old

Requires all renters and operators of rented vessels to complete a department-approved rental education course before operating the watercraft

If additional adults (18+) will be present on a rented vessel, at least one other person besides the renter must also complete the rental education course

Rental education certificates are valid for six months statewide and require completion of a 10-minute operation familiarization video plus a renter orientation checklist covering safety equipment, navigation rules, and operator responsibility

Exemptions apply to U.S. Coast Guard licensed vessel masters and those holding valid boater education credentials from Georgia or NASBLA-approved courses from other states

Violations are classified as a misdemeanor