South Carolina Boating

American Boat Operators' Course

South Carolina Boat Operators' Course

Laws and Safety Equipment
Return to Table of Contents
1	Video
2	Laws
3	Numbering
4	Titling
5	Hull ID Number
6	Safety Equipment-Life Jackets
7	Fire Extinguishers
8	Visual Distress Signals
9	Ventilation
10	Mufflers
11	Backfire and Flame Control
12	Whistle Bell and Horn
13	Navigation Lights
14	Pollution and Garbage
15	Prohibited Operation
16	Safe Operation
17	Age and Education Requirements
18	Personal Watercraft
19	Water Skiing and Events
20	Diving
21	Boating Under the Influence
22	Accidents
23	Homeland Security
24	Chapter Review

OPERATOR AGE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

A person must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel, unless accompanied by an adult, eighteen years or older, who is not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them.

A person younger than 16 years may operate:

A boat powered by less than 15 horsepower without restrictions
A boat powered by 15 horsepower or more only if:
They have passed a boating safety course approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

It is unlawful for a person to cause or allow a child over whom they have permanent or temporary responsibility to illegally operate a boat or PWC.