South Carolina Boaters Beware – New Law Requires Boater Education Course
July 24, 2023
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recently announced that effective August 18, 2023, boaters born after July 1, 2007, are required to pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, personal watercraft (jet ski), or a specialty prop craft powered by 10 hp motor or more.
Exceptions include persons who have a boater education certificate from another state, a U.S. Coast Guard license, a merchant mariner credential, or those accompanied by a person at least 18 years old who has a boating safety certificate or USCG license/credential.
SCDNR officers will allow boaters a grace period while educating the public on the new law.
Once enforced, a violation carries a penalty of up to a $300 fine and a minimum of $50.
The exceptions in the new law are:
- Those born before July 1, 2007.
- Those 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 or watercraft with a temporary boat rental safety certificate.
- Those accompanied by someone 18 or older who has a South Carolina boater safety certificate. U.S. Coast Guard credentials or an equivalent boater safety certificate from another state.
SCDNR offers free, instructor-led boater education classes. An online self-study option is also available for $39.95.
For more information on all boating courses, visit www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated or call SCDNR at 1-800-277-4301
