(A) If a watercraft contains a permanent identification number placed on it by the manufacturer, the manufacturer's serial number must be used as the builder's hull number. If there is no manufacturer's serial number, if the manufacturer's serial number has been removed or obliterated, or if the watercraft is homemade, the department, upon application, shall assign a permanent identification number which must be used as the builder's hull number for the watercraft. This assigned number must be affixed permanently to or imprinted by the applicant at the place and in the manner designated by the department upon the watercraft for which the builder's hull number is assigned. "Homemade watercraft or outboard motor" means a watercraft or outboard motor which is built by an individual for personal use from raw materials which does not require the assignment of a federal hull identification number or serial number by a manufacturer pursuant to federal law. An individual may build or furnish raw materials to a builder under a contract to build a homemade watercraft or outboard motor to desired specifications. A copy of the contract, specifications, and bill of sale for raw materials must accompany registration and title application. The person furnishing materials under a contract may be considered the builder. A rebuilt or reconstituted watercraft or outboard motor must not be construed to be homemade. Every homemade watercraft must be certified as meeting safety standards of the United States Coast Guard before it can be sold by the builder. Certification must be furnished to the purchaser and a copy accompany applications for transfer to the department.
(B) Every outboard motor must have a permanent identification number placed on it in at least two locations by the manufacturer. This number must be used as the serial number. If there is no manufacturer's serial number or if the manufacturer's serial number has been removed for a valid reason or obliterated, the department, upon a prescribed application, may assign a serial number for the outboard motor. This assigned serial number must be affixed permanently to or imprinted by the applicant at the place and in the manner designated by the department upon the outboard motor for which the serial number is assigned.
(C) No newly-manufactured watercraft or outboard motor may be sold or offered for sale by a person in this State unless the watercraft or outboard motor has a hull identification number or serial number permanently affixed, and the number also must be affixed permanently in a hidden place.
(D) Manufacturer's serial numbers or hull identification numbers for watercraft must be imprinted clearly in the stern transom knee or other essential hull member near the stern by stamping, impressing, or marking with pressure or for an inboard watercraft on the main inside beam. In lieu of imprinting, the manufacturer's serial number or hull identification number may be displayed on a plate in a permanent manner. In addition to being permanent the number must be accessible. Hull identification or serial numbers must be installed according to United States Coast Guard regulations. If the serial number or hull identification number is displayed in a location other than on or near the stern transom, the department must be notified by the manufacturer as to the location.
(E) No person may destroy, remove, alter, cover, or deface the manufacturer's serial number or hull identification number or part of it, or plate bearing the number, or a serial number or hull identification number or part of it assigned by the department or be in possession of an affected watercraft or outboard motor unless authorized in writing by the department and the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.117; 1971 (57) 915; 1989 Act No. 190, Section 11; 1993 Act No. 128, Section 11; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft
Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors
Section 50-23-10. Marine dealer's permits.
Section 50-23-11. Dealer demonstration numbers; unauthorized use; penalties.
Section 50-23-12. Change in status forms required for trade-ins.
Section 50-23-20. Watercraft titles; notification of transfer.
Section 50-23-35. Watercraft title issuance; tax payment proof required; exceptions.
Section 50-23-55. Certificate of title as evidence of ownership; watercraft from other states.
Section 50-23-60. Application for certificate; late penalty.
Section 50-23-90. Contents of certificate; effect as evidence.
Section 50-23-110. Statement of origin.
Section 50-23-125. Electronic transmission of information for watercraft title.
Section 50-23-140. Priority and validity of liens and other encumbrances; discharge of liens.
Section 50-23-150. Lost, stolen, or mutilated certificate; issuance of duplicate certificate.
Section 50-23-170. Serial number or hull identification number.
Section 50-23-185. Inspection of watercraft related facilities.
Section 50-23-210. Suspension or revocation of certificate.
Section 50-23-220. Deposit and use of funds.
Section 50-23-240. Filing and publication of rules and regulations.
Section 50-23-250. Employment and duties of investigators.
Section 50-23-260. List of owners furnished to county auditors.
Section 50-23-270. False statement in document or other submission to department; penalty.
Section 50-23-275. Watercraft not previously titled.
Section 50-23-310. Numbering of vessels.
Section 50-23-320. Exceptions.
Section 50-23-330. Conformity to United States Government numbering system.
Section 50-23-340. Application for and issuance of number and certificate; fee.
Section 50-23-345. Temporary certificate of number.
Section 50-23-350. Issuance of certificates of number by agents.
Section 50-23-360. Display of number.
Section 50-23-370. Expiration and renewal.
Section 50-23-380. Transfer of registration upon change of ownership; fee.
Section 50-23-385. Houseboats with waste-holding tanks; indefinite mooring; waste pump-out.
Section 50-23-400. Notice of change of address.