Starting July 1, 2026, registration and mandatory licensing will be required for operating motorized boats, yachts, jet skis, and other powered watercraft on Georgia’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, according to the Maritime Transport Agency.
The decision follows safety concerns, as 80 incidents involving watercraft were recorded between 2020 and 2026. The new rules apply to both individuals and legal entities engaged in navigation or passenger transport on inland waters.
Under the new system, most motorized vessels, including yachts, motorboats, catamarans, and passenger platforms, must be registered and undergo technical inspection. Exemptions include kayaks, non-commercial small vessels, and boats under 3 meters without engines.
Operators will also be required to hold a 5-year navigation certificate, issued to adults who complete an approved training course currently available only at the Batumi Maritime Training Center. From July 2026, violations of the rules will result in fines and administrative penalties.
