Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Negligent, Reckless, and Other Illegal Operation

South Carolina law prohibits negligent or reckless operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or similar device. Reckless operation or manipulation is defined as the failure to exercise the care necessary to protect the safety of persons or property. Examples of negligent, reckless, and other illegal operation are:

• Weaving your boat or PWC through congested traffic
• Crossing the path or wake of another boat unnecessarily close to the other boat or when visibility around the other boat is restricted
• Causing your boat or PWC to leave the water completely while crossing the wake of another boat within 200 feet of the other boat
• Swerving at the last moment to avoid a collision
• Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, diver-down flags, etc.
• Failing to maintain a proper lookout for other boats or persons
• Towing a person on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device behind your boat or PWC in such a way that it causes the towed person to collide with another person or object or to pass through a swimming area
• Allowing passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any other place where there may be a chance of falling overboard
• Allowing passengers to swim within 50 feet of a public boat landing or ramp
• Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife

"idle speed" or “no wake - idle speed”—When you see these buoys or signs with these words, they indicate a restricted boating area established to protect the safety of the public and property. In these areas, a vessel cannot proceed at a speed greater than that speed necessary to maintain steering.

Speed Regulations

Failure to regulate speed is defined as operating a boat or PWC at speeds that may cause danger, injury, damage, or unnecessary inconvenience. In South Carolina, speed regulations can vary depending on local conditions. Be aware of and obey all regulatory markers, including those marked as “idle speed” or “no wake - idle speed.”

• You may not operate a boat or PWC in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of:
  • A moored or anchored vessel
  • A wharf, pier, or dock
  • A person in the water
• Operating in excess of idle speed within 100 yards of the Atlantic coastline is prohibited.
• You may not operate too fast for the conditions on the water (vessel traffic, weather, etc.).
• You must maintain idle speed when in the vicinity of a boat flashing a blue light.
  Vessel operators are responsible for any damage caused by their wake.

Remember—As an owner of a vessel, you are also liable if you allow others to operate your vessel in a reckless manner.