Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Lake Lanier spans 38,000 acres and serves as a favored spot for activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Home to various marinas, resorts, and restaurants, the lake is positioned in Hall, Gwinnett, Forsyth, and Lumpkin counties in Georgia. Prior to embarking on any water adventures, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with safety regulations, as various agencies, including the USACE, GADNA, and local authorities, enforce boating regulations. All Celebrity Chatered Boats  operators must adhere to and take responsibility for operating in accordance with local guidelines. This involves obtaining appropriate registrations, passes, permits, and ensuring compliance with vessel and captain requirements. Operators are also required to use designated docks and boating areas for commercial activities, as specified by local laws and facility regulations. To assist with this, we have compiled essential details for boating on Lake Lanier. Boater Education Certificate: Individuals born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete a boater education course approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before operating a vessel on state waters, including Lake Lanier. Vessel Registration: Any motorized or sailing vessel exceeding 12 feet in length must be registered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources before being used on state waters. To register your boat, you will need to complete the registration application, pay the corresponding fee, and present documentation of vessel ownership. Additionally, it is essential to obtain a validation decal from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as it is required for legally operating your vessel on Georgia public waters. Insurance: Safety, business protection and regulatory compliance are crucial reasons to obtain adequate insurance coverage. Contact our partner, Boat Charter Insurance , to discuss your unique needs USCG Captain’s License: Boat captains must have a valid US Coast Guard license that matches the size and type of vessel they operate. Vessels carrying up to six passengers require a 6-pack license, while those with more than six passengers require a Master Captain’s license. Captains are responsible for the safety of their charter vessels and everyone on board. To learn more about captain’s licenses, visit Mariners Learning System. Apply the code CELEBRITY CHATERED BOATS 10 to enjoy a 10% discount. Certificate of Inspection (COI): For commercial passenger boats on Lake Lanier carrying more than six passengers for hire, it is essential to possess a valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI). This certification guarantees compliance with safety standards, including the presence of sufficient fire extinguishers, life jackets, and other safety equipment on the boat. Additionally, the COI verifies the proper staffing of the boat with an adequate number of qualified crew members who are capable of safely operating the vessel. Additional information can be found on the USCG website. USACE Special Use Permit: A Commercial Special Use Permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is required for conducting any commercial activities on land or water managed by USACE at Lake Lanier. To initiate the application process for this permit, please reach out to the Lake Lanier Operation Management Office at (770) 945-9531 and schedule an appointment with the ranger. Additional Information: Boat owners must obtain a business license from the county where they intend to operate their vessels. A manifest listing all passengers must be maintained on board commercial vessels. Safety equipment, including personal flotation devices (PFDs), fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, life rings, throw ropes, and first aid kits, is mandatory on all vessels. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while on Lake Lanier. Various speed limits are enforced on Lake Lanier, such as a 55 mph limit on open water and a 10 mph limit within 100 feet of docks, piers, bridges, shorelines, or individuals in the water. Passenger Pick Up/ Drop Off: Several places allow boat drop-offs and pickups for rentals, and here are a couple with designated passenger zones. Before finalizing your plans, be sure to verify the pickup and drop-off policies with the marina or dock. Holiday On Lake Lanier: Located at 6900 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518. Burton Mill Boat Ramp Access:Located at Flowery Branch, GA 30542 Bolding Mill Boat Ramp: Located at 4055 Chestatee Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506.  

Monroe Lake, located approximately 60 miles southwest of Indianapolis in south-central Indiana, is a expansive reservoir renowned for its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting popularity for activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, the lake is surrounded by state parks and recreation areas. Boating is a prevalent pastime for both locals and tourists alike, with Monroe Lake offering ample space for a diverse range of watercraft, including small kayaks, canoes, and larger pontoons and yachts. Additionally, the lake features numerous coves and islands, providing ideal opportunities for exploration. All Getmyboat operators must follow and are responsible for conducting operations in accordance with local guidelines. This includes obtaining the necessary registrations, passes, and permits, and be in compliance with vessel and captain requirements. Additionally, operators must utilize specified docks and designated boating areas for commercial activities, as stipulated by local laws and facility regulations. To facilitate compliance, we have gathered essential information for boating on Monroe Lake. Vessel Registration: To legally operate any watercraft on Indiana waterways, you must register it with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and display valid watercraft decals. Registration is not required for certain exempt vessels. The registration fee for a vessel in Indiana is determined by its length and its excise class. Boater Education Certificate: Anyone born after July 1, 1985, must obtain Indiana boater education certification to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) with a motor exceeding 7.5 horsepower. Insurance: Ensuring safety, safeguarding your business, and meeting regulatory requirements are all essential reasons to secure sufficient insurance coverage. Feel free to reach out to our affiliated partner, Boat Charter Insurance , to explore and discuss your specific needs. USCG Captain’s License: Charter vessel captains are required to hold a valid US Coast Guard license that corresponds to the size and category of the vessel they command. A 6-pack license is adequate for vessels with a capacity of up to six passengers, while a Master Captain’s license is obligatory for those carrying more than six passengers. The captain bears the sole responsibility for both the safety of passengers and the charter vessel. For a more in-depth understanding of captain’s licenses, you can explore Mariners Learning System. Use the code GETMYBOAT10 to receive a 10% discount. Certificate of Inspection (COI): Commercial passenger boats operating on Monroe Lake must possess a valid Coast Guard COI to carry more than six passengers for a fee. This certification verifies compliance with safety regulations, including the mandatory presence of essential safety equipment like life jackets and fire extinguishers aboard the vessel. Additionally, the COI guarantees that the boat is adequately staffed with a qualified crew capable of safely operating the vessel. For more information, please visit the USCG website. Passenger Pick Up/ Drop Off: Many locations permit boat drop-offs and pickups for rentals. One such location is: Hardin Ridge Recreation Area: Situated at 6464 Hardin Ridge Road, Heltonville, IN 47436. Before confirming your plans, ensure you check the pickup and drop-off policies with the marina or dock. Additionally, for boat launching on Lake Monroe, a launch permit is required, which can be obtained online through the Indiana DNR website or in person at the Lake Monroe office. Additional Permits/Licenses: Before you offer any services on Monroe Lake, you may need to obtain additional permits or licenses. For more information, please contact the local government in the area where you plan to operate and also the DNR. Passenger for Hire Permit: Any person or entity intending to operate a passenger-for-hire watercraft on Monroe Lake must obtain a permit from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).This mandatory permit ensures the safe and compliant operation of these watercraft, adhering to all relevant regulations. Lake Permit: An annual lake permit is required for all watercraft, including personal watercraft, motorboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, when used on state parks, state-managed lakes, state forest lakes, and Division of Outdoor Recreation lakes. You can purchase the permit online at the DNR Customer Service Center, Concessions Permit: To operate a boat rental business on Monroe Lake, a concessions permit is required from the Department of Natural Resources. Applicants must submit a proposal that outlines their experience in boat rentals, the types of boats they intend to rent, and the proposed rental rates. The DNR will then review the proposal to determine whether or not to issue the permit. More information can be found on the DNR website