(A) As used in this section:
(1) "Aids to navigation" means any device designed or intended to assist a navigator to determine his position or safe course or to warn him of danger or obstructions to navigation.
(2) "Regulatory markers" means any device which indicates to a vessel operator the existence of dangerous areas as well as those which are intended to restrict or control, such as speed zones and areas dedicated to a particular use or to provide general information and directions. This includes bathing markers, speed zone markers, information markers, danger zone markers, boat keep out areas, mooring buoys, wharves, docks, obstructions or hazards to navigation, and any activity, object, or construction in the waters of the State.
(B) The department may promulgate regulations for the uniform marking of the waters of the State and may regulate the operation of all vessels, watercraft, and water devices through the placement of aids to navigation and regulatory markers. The regulations shall establish a marking system compatible with the system of aids to navigation prescribed by the United States Coast Guard or its successor agency. No city, county, or person shall mark or obstruct the waters of this State in any manner so as to endanger the operation of watercraft or conflict with the marking system prescribed by the department.
(C) The operation of any vessel, watercraft, or water device within a prohibited area is negligent operation unless the seriousness of the operation within a prohibited area constitutes reckless operation.
(D) It shall be unlawful for a person to operate a vessel, watercraft, or water device on the waters of this State in a manner other than that prescribed or permitted by regulatory markers.
(E) No person may moor or fasten a vessel, watercraft, or water device to or wilfully damage, tamper, remove, obstruct, or interfere with any aid to navigation or regulatory marker established pursuant to this chapter.
(F) All no wake zones heretofore established are considered established pursuant to the authority of this section.
(G) A person who violates a provision of this section or regulation promulgated pursuant to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished as provided in this chapter.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.43; 1972 (57) 2791; 1974 (58) 2678; 1993 Act No. 184, Section 249; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.O; 2006 Act No. 289, Section 9.A; 2008 Act No. 321, Section 5, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 16, 2008).
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment added subsection (F) relating to no wake zones and redesignated subsection (F) as subsection (G).
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.