Georgia is set to introduce mandatory registration for motorboats, yachts, and passenger vessels operating on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs under planned amendments to the Maritime Code. The changes will require owners to register their vessels with the Maritime Transport Agency and pay a fee, the amount of which will be defined after the law is adopted.
The reform creates a new legal framework for inland water navigation, treating such vessels as transport means subject to the same principles of registration, ownership, and regulation as other ships. Authorities say the goal is to close existing legal gaps and establish a unified regulatory system.
The Maritime Transport Agency will gain expanded powers, including technical supervision and inspection of inland water vessels. A new registry book will also be created specifically for these vessels, where all registrations will be recorded.
Temporary registration certificates will be issued for six months, extendable up to one year. The government expects increased registration activity from July 2026, which could boost agency revenues depending on fee levels and demand.
