South Carolina requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

South Carolina does not require persons of 16 years or older to possess a boating license in order to operate a boat or personal watercraft. However, persons under 16 years of age (unless accompanied by a person above 18 years of age) are required by law to complete a course on boating safety approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A boat or personal watercraft, which is powered by less than 15 horsepower, does not require any license or certificate for operation.

The boating laws of the state require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% and if arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of such convictions.

BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, or pass an approved equivalency test.

In an approved course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience.

There are various approved ways you can complete the course and obtain the card:

1. Classroom options offered by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the US Power Squadron and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
2. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete.
3. Persons under the age of 12 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the course.
4. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you.
5. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
6. Approved online option offered by Boat Ed.
7. This course may take up to 8 hours to complete.
8. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
9. After studying, you can take a mail-in test.
10. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you within 45 days.
11. The option of home-study using a video course with approved course material, and passing a proctored exam.

RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, write to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with proof of course completion. Students who took the exam online may obtain a duplicate card by contacting the providers, and for a fee - check the providers' websites for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in South Carolina, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or someone operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
• Read the South Carolina Boating Handbook for information about Boating Laws.
• See how to register your boat in South Carolina.
• Check the contact information of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.