South Carolina Boating Regulations and Laws

The South Carolina boating safety education certificate (commonly known as a South Carolina boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

South Carolina law requires that a person under 16 years of age have passed a boating safety course approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources or be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old who is not under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in order to operate a vessel powered by 15 horsepower or more. The Boat South Carolina course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in South Carolina classrooms.

Even if not required by law to get the South Carolina boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in South Carolina a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat South Carolina course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in South Carolina?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

• Internet: You can study over the Internet then take the South Carolina online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boating safety education certificate issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is mailed to your home.
• Video at Home: Study at home with the South Carolina video home-study course. Then take the Certification Exam at home and mail it in for grading and certification.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Boat South Carolina online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. All the required safe boating course material to get your boating safety education certificate is available for free online. Please visit our South Carolina safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the South Carolina boating safety education certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the South Carolina boater's license;
• Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the South Carolina boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs a South Carolina boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boating safety education certificate?

South Carolina's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.