South Carolina Boating Handbook Table of Contents

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• Boating Safety Education and Certification

Boating Basics

Boating Basics: Before Going Out

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity
• Fueling a Vessel
• Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Preventing Theft
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist
• Sample Float Plan

Boating Basics: On the Water

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Encountering Vessels With Limited Maneuverability
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
• Lateral Markers
• Intracoastal Waterway System
• Non-Lateral Markers
• Weather Emergencies

Boating Basics: Specifically for PWCs

• Steering and Stopping a PWC
• Ignition Safety Switches
• Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• Courtesy When Encountering Other Vessels
• Environmental Considerations
• Other PWC Considerations

It's the Law!

It's The Law: Before Going Out

• Registering Your Boat or PWC
• Other Facts About Titling and Registration
• Buying and Selling a Vessel or Motor
• Schedule of Fees to Register Your Boat or Motor
• Where to Title and Register
• Hull Identification Number
• Legal Requirements for Trailers
• Marine Events
• Who May Operate a Boat or PWC
• Enforcement

It's The Law: Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Navigation Lights
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

It's The Law: On The Water

• Negligent, Reckless, and Other Illegal Operation
• Speed Regulations
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Accidents and Casualties
• Diver-Down Flags
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Discharge of Waste
• Discharge of Trash

It's the Law: Specifically For PWCs

• Requirements Specific to PWCs
• Sharing Your PWC ... Safely!

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Good to Know

• Information for South Carolina Boaters
• SCDNR Law Enforcement Offices
• Required Equipment Checklist
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)