The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR) new boating regulations are set to begin in August 2023.
Officials said starting August 18th, boaters born after July 1, 2007, will be required to pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, jet ski, or specialty prop-craft powered by a 10 HP motor or more.
Officers will allow boaters a grace period while people learn about the new law, but once the new law begins to be enforced, violating it comes with a fine between $50 and $300.
Exceptions for the new law include people born before July 1, 2007, or anyone with a U.S. Coast Guard license or merchant mariner credential, a nonresident with an equivalent boating safety credential from another state, anyone operating a rental boat with a temporary rental safety certificate, or someone accompanied by a qualified boater over the age of 18.
SC boating regulations already include
-In South Carolina, boat operators under age 16 must complete a boating course approved by the SCDNR to operate a boat or personal watercraft with a 15 h.p. motor or greater, unless accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.
-In South Carolina, each person on a personal watercraft must wear a US Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD.
-A personal watercraft may not be operated between sunset and sunrise and must be equipped with a self-circling or lanyard-type engine cutoff switch.
-When operating a personal watercraft, one may not operate in a manner so as to leave the water completely while crossing (jumping) the wake of another vessel within 200 feet of the vessel creating the wake.
-In South Carolina, a permit is required for any marine event with more than 20 boats.
For more information on SC boating regulations, including the new regulations going into effect in August, please visit the SCDNR boating regulations website.
