The Georgian government is introducing amendments to the Maritime Code that would require boats, yachts, and passenger ships operating in inland waters to be officially registered.
The changes, initiated by the government, aim to establish a new legal framework regulating navigation on lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
Under the proposed law, vessels will have to register with the Maritime Transport Agency and pay a fee, though the exact amount has not yet been specified. Authorities say the fee will be determined after the draft law is adopted.
The government argues that boats, yachts, and passenger ships are forms of transport and should therefore be subject to the same legal principles as other vessels, including rules on ownership, registration, and safety.
The amendments also provide for the introduction of technical supervision and safety standards for floating facilities in inland waters.
The government says the changes aim to address gaps in current legislation, which does not fully regulate the registration and mortgage of inland watercraft.
Officials say the reform will create a unified legal regime covering both registration procedures and property relations.
