December 6, 2024 | Personal Injury
Each state sets laws regarding the operation of boats within the state, including whether you need a license to operate a boat. The laws can differ, so it is always wise to research the laws in the state where you intend to rent a boat. Recent changes to South Carolina’s boating laws include a specific exception to the required Boater Education Course for individuals renting boats.
Requirements for Operating a Boat in South Carolina
As of August 18, 2023, a person with a birthdate after July 1, 2007, must take a boater education course approved by the SCDNR to operate a personal watercraft, boat, or specialty propcraft with a 10hp or larger motor.
There are several exemptions to the Boater Education Course, including:
- You were born on or before July 1, 2007;
- You are in possession of an S.C. boating safety certificate in your name, or it is documented by the state that you have been issued an S.C. boating safety certificate;
- You are in possession of a license to operate a vessel issued in your name by the U.S. Coast Guard;
- You are in possession of a merchant mariner credential issued in your name by the U.S. Coast Guard;
- You are a nonresident in possession of a boating safety certificate, or the equivalency thereof, issued in your name by another state;
- You are operating a vessel or watercraft from a business that rents boats and watercraft and are in possession of a boat rental safety certificate issued in your name; or
- You are with a person 18 years old or older who meets one of the criteria in numbers 1 through 5 above.
The boat rental exception means that if you want to rent a boat in South Carolina, you can obtain a boat rental safety certificate by taking an online rental course approved by the SCDNR. The certificate is valid for 30 days.
Why Do I Need a Rental Boat Safety Certificate to Rent a Boat in South Carolina?
Proponents of the law allege that the boater education courses help ensure boaters are educated in safe boating practices and boating laws. Presumably, the information learned in the courses could reduce the number of boating accidents in South Carolina.
Common causes of boating accidents in South Carolina include:
- Grounding the boat
- Speeding
- Boating under the influence (BUI)
- Failing to maintain a proper lookout
- Crashing into another vessel, dock, or object
- Operator inattention (i.e., distracted boating)
- Equipment failure or malfunction
- Operator inexperience
- Inadequate maintenance or repairs
- Reckless behavior
- Weather conditions
Tragically, many boating accidents could be avoided by following safety procedures and boating laws. If you are involved in a boat accident, ensure everyone has a life jacket or flotation device. Check for injuries and attend to people who need help. Call for emergency assistance if required. Report the boat accident to the SCDNR.
Can I Sue for Injuries Caused by a Boat Accident in Orangeburg, SC?
If another party’s negligence or intentional torts caused the boat accident or your injury, you can file a personal injury claim seeking damages. You must prove the elements of a negligence claim, which are:
- You were owed a legal duty by the at-fault party
- The at-fault party’s actions or inactions breached their legal duty
- The breach of duty caused the boat accident, which led to your injuries
- You incurred harm and damages because of their breach of duty
If you prove negligence and liability, you can seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. However, if you shared fault for causing the boat accident, your damages could be reduced according to South Carolina’s contributory fault laws.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Boat Accident Claim?
The damages you receive depend on the factors in your case. Examples of damages in boat accident cases include:
- Pain and suffering damages
- Medical bills and expenses
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Impairments and disabilities
- Lost wages and benefits
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Seek immediate medical treatment after a boat accident. Document your damages by keeping detailed records of all losses and injuries.
Get Help With a Boat Accident Claim
Boat accident cases are often complex and require experienced legal representation to navigate. At Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, we are here to help you with your claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Orangeburg boating accident lawyer and learn how we can assist you.
Contact a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the personal injury law firm of Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have five convenient locations in South Carolina: Columbia, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Blythewood.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbia, SC
1333 Main St #510,
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 573-0869
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Columbia, SC.
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Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Lexington, SC
5465 Sunset Blvd Suite B,
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 721-4241
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Lexington, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.9981412,-81.2202483
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Orangeburg, SC
161 Elliott St SE Suite B,
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 884-2053
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orangeburg, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.4913915,-80.8608485
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Blythewood, SC
749-2 University Village Dr,
Blythewood, SC 29016
(803) 866-5190
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Blythewood, SC.
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Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbiana Dr
380 Columbiana Dr
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 866-5522
Our firm is located near you. We have a secondary office in Columbia, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.0857948,-81.1613165
