Education Info
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Boater Education
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Boater Education Program teaches the fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. This is necessary to reduce loss of life, personal injury and property damage while increasing boating enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Who needs a Boater Education Course?
Effective 08/18/2023, Boaters born after July 1, 2007 are required by law to pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft powered by 10 hp motor or more.
Exemptions:
- was born on or before July 1, 2007;
- is in possession of a South Carolina boating safety certificate issued in the person's name or is documented by the department as having been issued a South Carolina boating safety certificate;
- is in possession of a license to operate a vessel issued by the United States Coast Guard in the person's name, regardless of the expiration date on the license;
- is in possession of a merchant mariner credential issued by the United States Coast Guard in the person's name, regardless of the expiration date on the credential;
- is a nonresident in possession of a boating safety certificate, or an equivalency, issued by another state in the nonresident's name;
- is operating a vessel, personal watercraft, or specialty propcraft from a business engaged in the renting of vessels, personal watercrafts, or specialty propcrafts and is in possession of a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the person's name; or
- is accompanied by a person at least eighteen years old who meets one of the criteria in items (1) through (5) of this subsection.
One exception allowed in the new law is that a person born after July 1, 2007 may rent a boat, personal watercraft(jet ski), or a specialty propcraft while in possession of a vaild rental safety certificate issued to the person's last name.
Taking a boater education course will allow you to comply with the boating law and may also make you eligible for a discount on your boat or Personal Water Craft (jet ski) insurance.
SCDNR offers three (3) options to take the Boater Education Course.
1. Instructor-led Classes
The preferred Boater Education method is through a free six (6) hour instructor-led classroom course. Classes are generally offered in a one day format. All classes end with a Test to pass the course.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons® also provide classes throughout the state. These classes are offered for a minimal fee. Many of these classes can be found on the Boating Course Calendar.
2. Online Self-Study Course
The complete Boat South Carolina course with exciting visuals awaits you on the Net. Interactive graphics help you learn and retain information on boating safely in South Carolina. Successfully complete the online test, and you will receive a State of South Carolina boating safety certificate by mail. You pay $39.95—one time only, after you pass the final test.
Boat Ed South Carolina Online Course
SCDNR will accept any internet based boating safety course approved by National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators. The course provider is responsible for providing the student with a boating certificate upon successful completion of the course.
Other online boating courses:
3. Rental Courses
If you plan to rent a watercraft, you may complete a boat rental safety course approved by the SCDNR. The boat rental safety certificate is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and only while operating a vessel, personal watercraft, or specialty propcraft from a business engaged in the renting of vessels, personal watercrafts, or specialty propcrafts
Safety Tips
PWC Considerations
- Remember that everyone on board a PWC must wear a life jacket (PDF).
- Keep hands, feet, loose clothing, and hair away from intake area. Before cleaning debris awau from pump intake, be sure to shut off the engine.
- Keep everone clear of the steering nozzle unless the PWC is shut off. The water jet can cause severe injuries.
- Frequently inspect your PWC's electrical systems (e.g., starter and engine gauge connections) to ensure there is no potential for electrical spark. Gas fumes could collect in the engine compartment, and an explosion could occur. After fueling, sniff the engine compartment for any evidence of gas fumes.
- Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended capacity for your PWC.
- Know your limits, and tide according to your abilities.