South
Carolina Boat Laws are administered by the South
Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The boating laws of South Carolina are enforced by
officers of the Law Enforcement Division of the
DNR, U.S. Coast Guard, and any other authorized
law enforcement officers.
Boating License
Requirements
Those
younger than 16 years of age may operate a boat powered by
15 horsepower or more (including PWCs) only if
they are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old who
is not under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs or
they have passed a boating safety course approved by the
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Jet Ski Rules - Personal
Watercraft (PWC)
Persons
16 years of age or older may operate any boat or
PWC without restrictions.
Boat Registration and Title Requirements
S.C.
Law prohibits the sale or purchase of watercraft without a
valid title issued in the seller's name to assign over to
the purchaser at the time of sale.
The
following are required to have current title and
registration:
All
motorized boats and watercraft; except *exempted
vessels;
All
sailboats are required to be titled
All
outboard motors five (5) horsepower and greater are
required to be titled since July 1, 1974.
*Exempted
Vessels - documented vessels, windsurfers,
watercraft (canoes, kayak, etc.) propelled only by human
power with oars, paddles or similar devices.
It
is illegal for the owner or person in control of a
motorboat to allow someone who does not meet the age or
boating education requirements to operate the vessel.
