Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: In South Carolina, what many people call a “boating license” is a South Carolina boating safety certificate (boater education card). As of August 18, 2023, if you were born after July 1, 2007, you must have a boating safety certificate (or qualify under a specific exemption) to operate a boat with 10 horsepower (HP) or more, a personal watercraft (PWC), or a specialty propcraft on South Carolina waters. Requirements are administered by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), so verify your situation before operating.
Select a boating safety course that South Carolina accepts. SCDNR accepts NASBLA-approved boating safety education courses. You can take a state-offered class or choose another approved provider that meets South Carolina’s requirements.
Complete the course content and pass the final exam. A standard boating safety course covers navigation rules, required safety equipment, safe operation, emergency preparedness, and South Carolina-specific operating rules for motorboats and PWCs.
After you successfully complete an approved course, you’ll receive proof of completion and can be issued a South Carolina boating safety certificate. South Carolina issues boating safety certificates in physical and electronic forms, and SCDNR maintains a database of issued certificates. Keep your certificate information available when you’re operating.
Online boating safety courses are available and commonly used in South Carolina. If you choose an online option, confirm it is NASBLA-approved and accepted by SCDNR, then complete the course and final exam according to the provider’s instructions.
SCDNR offers free, instructor-led boating safety classes in South Carolina. In-person courses are a good fit if you prefer a structured learning environment and the ability to ask questions during the class. Other boating safety organizations may also offer approved classroom courses in different regions of the state.
Yes. South Carolina generally recognizes non-resident boaters who carry a boating safety certificate (or approved equivalency) issued by another state in the operator’s name. This is especially important if you’re visiting and operating a motorboat with 10 HP or more, a PWC, or a specialty propcraft.
South Carolina also recognizes certain federal credentials, including a U.S. Coast Guard operator license or a U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential, as qualifying documentation for lawful operation.
If you’re visiting South Carolina and don’t already have an accepted boater education card, South Carolina allows an alternative option in certain rental situations:
Rental operators may also have their own age and safety policies, especially for PWCs, so confirm requirements before your trip.
South Carolina’s education requirement is based primarily on the operator’s date of birth and the type of vessel being operated. It is unlawful to operate a boat with an engine of 10 HP or greater, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft in South Carolina unless one of the following applies:
South Carolina’s boating education rule uses a birthdate cutoff rather than a single statewide “minimum age” for all operators. If you were born after July 1, 2007, you must have a boating safety certificate (or qualify through an allowed alternative such as being accompanied by an eligible adult or holding a valid rental safety certificate) to operate a boat with 10 HP or more, a PWC, or a specialty propcraft.
Because rental operators and local waters may have additional safety rules—especially for PWCs—always confirm age policies and required documentation before operating.
South Carolina does not issue a driver-style boating license. Instead, it requires a South Carolina boating safety certificate (boater education card) for certain operators. If you were born after July 1, 2007, you generally need the certificate (or a qualifying exemption) to operate a boat with 10 HP or more, a PWC, or a specialty propcraft.
South Carolina’s requirement is based on date of birth rather than a single minimum age. If you were born after July 1, 2007, you must meet the education requirement (or qualify under an allowed alternative) to operate a boat with 10 HP or more, a PWC, or a specialty propcraft.
Costs vary by course provider and course format. SCDNR offers free instructor-led classes, while online courses may charge a fee depending on the provider. If you need a duplicate card later, replacement options and any associated fees can vary. For an exact total, check the price of your chosen course and any state processing or replacement requirements.
Yes. You can complete an accepted online boating safety course if it is NASBLA-approved and accepted by SCDNR. After you pass the final exam, you can receive proof of completion and obtain your South Carolina boating safety certificate.
