(A) The operator and crew of any watercraft operating in state waters are required to heave to when signaled or hailed and allow boarding by law enforcement officers or U.S. Coast Guard personnel.
(B) The operator, crew, and passengers of any watercraft operating in state waters are required to cooperate with law enforcement officers or U. S. Coast Guard personnel.
(C) Any operator, crew member, or passenger of any watercraft violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
(D) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the magistrates court retains jurisdiction for violations of this section.
HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 245, Section 19; 2002 Act No. 342, Section 48; 2008 Act No. 321, Section 3, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 16, 2008).
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 added subsection (D) relating to magistrates court jurisdiction.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft
Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft
Section 50-21-10. Definitions.
Section 50-21-20. Legislative declaration of policy.
Section 50-21-30. Watercraft laws and ordinances; special rules and regulations.
Section 50-21-40. Administration of chapter.
Section 50-21-45. Administration of oaths; acknowledgment of signatures.
Section 50-21-70. Limit on expenses and costs of administration.
Section 50-21-80. Enforcement of provisions of chapter; authority to issue summons or make arrests.
Section 50-21-90. Boating safety and educational program.
Section 50-21-100. Records to be kept by owners of boat liveries.
Section 50-21-105. Towing of watercraft by department.
Section 50-21-110. Negligent operation of water device; offense; penalties.
Section 50-21-111. Reckless operation of water device; offense; penalties.
Section 50-21-117. Operation of water device while privileges suspended; offense; penalties.
Section 50-21-146. Discharging firearm at boat landing or ramp prohibited.
Section 50-21-160. Disposition of fees and fines.
Section 50-21-180. Riding surfboard near fishing piers.
Section 50-21-190. Abandoning watercraft or outboard motor; penalty; removal.
Section 50-21-820. Water skiing, surfboarding, and similar activity prohibited during certain hours.
Section 50-21-830. Exemptions.
Section 50-21-850. Ski belt, life preserver, or similar equipment required; exceptions.
Section 50-21-855. Enforcement of regulations affecting windsurfers and sailboarders.
Section 50-21-860. Restrictions on use of airboats.
Section 50-21-870. Personal watercraft and boating safety.
Section 50-21-1010. Regulation of regattas, races, and similar exhibitions.