South Carolina’s coastline, lakes, and rivers make boating a popular way to spend time outdoors, especially during the summer months. If you are planning to rent a boat or operate one for the first time (or the first time in years), it is important to understand the legal requirements and safety responsibilities that come with it.
In this blog, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions we get about operating a boat on South Carolina’s waterways.
Do I Need a Driver’s License or a Boating License to Drive a Boat?
No, a driver’s license is not required to legally operate a boat in South Carolina. In most cases, adults do not need a boating license to drive a boat in South Carolina.
However, this isn’t true for minors:
- Anyone under the age of 16 operating any watercraft powered by a motor with 15 horsepower or more must complete a state-approved boating safety course before they can legally drive a boat or other watercraft in South Carolina without adult supervision.
- After completing the boating safety course, the operator will receive a Boater Education Card, which must be carried while operating the watercraft. Failing to carry the card could result in a fine.
- Boaters under the age of 16 may operate a boat without the course only if supervised by an adult who is at least 18 years old and not under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Individuals 16 years old and older can legally operate a boat without a boating license or education card, but taking a safety course is strongly recommended.
Do I Really Need to Take a Boating Safety Course?
Even though most adults are not legally required to take a boating safety course, doing so can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 69% of boating-accident deaths in 2024 occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
Even if you are not required to get a boating license or take a safety course before renting a boat in South Carolina, it is always smart to familiarize yourself with the information covered to make sure that you reduce your risk of a collision or injuries to yourself, your passengers, and other boaters and swimmers.
Where Can I Take a Boating Safety Course?
There are several options available for approved boating safety courses. South Carolina offers both in-person and online options:
In-person courses
- S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
- United States Power Squadrons
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) facilities offers free six-hour classes with testing
Online courses
- Any courses approved by the National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators are accepted by SCDNR
- State-approved courses can be completed at your own pace
- Once completed and the fee is paid, you receive a boating safety certificate
What Does the Boating Safety Course Cover?
Boating safety courses prepare operators to handle real-world situations and emergencies. Topics typically include:
- Basics of operating a boat, including recognizing the different parts of a boat, how to fuel up, cast off, and so on
- Required safety equipment
- Navigation rules and speed limits
- Reckless or negligent operation
- Safely towing for water-skiing or tubing
- Dangers of boating under the influence
- Emergency procedures and accident reporting
Key Safety Responsibilities for Boat Operation in South Carolina
Boat operators can easily prevent collisions if they fulfill three major responsibilities to keep passengers and boaters safe.
Practice safe operation
Make sure you fully understand how to operate the boat’s equipment and perform basic maintenance on it while you are out on the water. Before heading out, ensure all passengers know what to do in the event of an emergency, such as putting on their personal flotation devices.
Keep a proper lookout
Always stay alert and follow all navigational rules and regulations. Watch out for shallow water, sand bars, submerged objects such as rocks or logs, swimmers, and other vessels. Having a designated person help watch for hazards can reduce the risk of collisions, which often occur when operators fail to notice dangers in time.
Maintain safe speeds
Operate at safe speeds and follow location-based limits. Boats must remain at idle speed within 50 feet of anchored boats, wharves, piers, docks, or people in the water, and within 100 yards of the Atlantic coast. Excessive speed increases the risk of collisions, serious injuries, and liability.
Boat operators who are not safety-conscious can be held liable for injuries they cause when they speed or drive recklessly. If an accident occurs, victims can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries, boat repairs, and other damages.
Injured in a Recreational Boating Accident?
While following the rules and having experience can help reduce your risk of an injury out on the water, it can’t eliminate the risk entirely. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident because a boat operator was driving recklessly or while under the influence, they should be held accountable for the pain and harm they’ve caused you.
Don’t suffer in silence. After a boating accident, the experienced South Carolina boat accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers are here to help. Call or click for a free case evaluation.
We’ve recovered over half a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured South Carolinians since 1968. Let us help you, too.
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