Before you take the helm

Check who needs a boating safety certificate

SCDNR says boaters born after July 1, 2007 must pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, personal watercraft or specialty propcraft powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. The requirement took effect August 18, 2023.

The statute includes alternative qualifying criteria. This guide is a planning summary, not a substitute for the full law, age restrictions, required equipment or an operator’s rental policies.

Read the statutory alternatives

Section 50-21-95 sets out the following qualifying alternatives. Read the original section to determine which applies to the operator and watercraft.

• Born on or before July 1, 2007.
• Possesses a South Carolina boating safety certificate issued in the operator’s name, or SCDNR documents that one was issued.
• Possesses a U.S. Coast Guard vessel-operator license issued in the operator’s name, regardless of expiration date.
• Possesses a U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential issued in the operator’s name, regardless of expiration date.
• Is a nonresident possessing another state’s boating safety certificate or equivalency issued in the nonresident’s name.
• Operates qualifying watercraft from a rental business and possesses a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the operator’s name.
• Is accompanied by a person at least 18 years old who meets one of the first five statutory criteria.

Renting a boat is not a blanket exemption

SCDNR describes an approved rental safety course. Its certificate is valid for 30 days from issuance and only while operating qualifying watercraft from a rental business.

Ask the operator which certificate they accept and what identification, age and experience requirements apply before booking. A rental business may set requirements beyond the statutory minimum.

Use an approved course

SCDNR offers an instructor-led boating course and lists approved online options. Course availability and fees can change, so use the current SCDNR page rather than relying on an old price or schedule.