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Shelter Cove

Tips for South Carolina Boating Requirements

Updated: Apr 1


Shelter Cove Marina

A fun-filled day on the water is waiting for you at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Whether you are looking to spend the day fishing or just lounging while taking in the views of beautiful blue water, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is the ideal destination!


In order to have an all-around perfect day, it’s our responsibility to make sure you’re safe and knowledgeable about boating requirements in South Carolina. As we all know, rules vary state to state, which makes it so important that our local boaters know these rules before getting out there on the water.

Shelter Cove Marina

Here are a few main tips to ensure a safe outing:

· In South Carolina, you must have a South Carolina Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on South Carolina waters

· Persons 16 years of age or older may operate any boat or PWC without restrictions

· Speed regulations vary depending on local conditions – be aware of and obey all regulatory markers, including those marked as “idle speed” or “no wake, idle speed”

· South Carolina law prohibits anyone from operating a moving motorized vessel or vessel under sail on the waters of the state while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs

· All vessels must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, called personal flotation devices (PFDs)

· All vessel engines must be equipped with an effective muffling device

· The U.S. Coast Guard classifies paddleboards as vessels – unless used in the surf at the beach like a surfboard, paddleboard users must comply with the USCG’s navigations rules and safety requirements for this type of vessel

· It is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any state or federally controlled waters – you must store trash in a container while on board and place it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore


Making memories with your family and friends is the key to any day on the water at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, although the “South Carolina: Legal Requirements of Boating” is a must-read before heading out to ensure all of the necessary boating rules to a have been taken into account.


If you have any questions about the South Carolina Boating Requirements, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Boat Titling and Registration Office at 803-734-3857. If you are interested in learning more about Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina boating and boat slip rental information, call 866-661-3822. We can’t wait to see you out there on the water!

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