On almost any boat there will be a plaque denoting the maximum capacity requirements of that particular boat. This safety standard cannot be ignored.
There are two main concerns with exceeding maximum capacity: Georgia boat injury lawyer describes below Boat capacity requirements. Boating laws in Georgia state that the owner of a boat is liable for injury due to negligent operation.
1. Most boats will have a maximum capacity of a certain number of people or a certain weight. It’s important to understand that you are over capacity if you exceed either number or weight, even if you are under on the other. A common error is not counting children in the number of people. Everyone counts on capacity, whether they are an adult or a child. It is also important to estimate weight. For example, if the capacity is 10 people or 1,700 pounds, if you have 10 people on the boat, the average weight must be 170 pounds or less per person. This also includes any items you bring on board, including coolers.
2. If the boat is overloaded, you run the risk of capsizing or swamping the boat which, of course, can be a very dangerous situation.
At A. Bishop Law, our Georgia boat injury lawyers welcome any questions about boating safety and boating law. If you, a family member or friend has been injured due to a boating accident, please Call or Email us about any questions you may have about Georgia Boating law safety violations. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
About the attorney: Anne Bishop is a Georgia Lawyer with A. Bishop Law in Gainesville, Georgia and handles various DUI / DWI, Marijuana Arrests and other Georgia Criminal Defense matters. The law office of A. Bishop Law can assist clients throughout Georgia including: Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch), Jackson County (Jefferson, Braselton) White County (Helen, Cleveland), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Dawson County (Dawsonville), Habersham County (Demorest, Cornelia), and all of Northeast Georgia.
This article and/or video should not be considered nor relied upon as legal advice since it is only intended for general overview and informational purposes. Please consult with an attorney on your specific situation in order to determine an appropriate legal course of action.