Frequently Asked Questions about South Carolina Boating Regulations and Laws

Q. What is the "South Carolina Boater Education Card"?

A. The Boater Education Card (also referred to as the South Carolina Boaters License) is proof of competency of the basic rules of the water that all boaters should know. The Boater Education Card must be carried with you whenever you are operating a powered watercraft to avoid high fines.

Q. Do I have to get the South Carolina boaters license?

A. If you are under 16 years of age you are required to get the Boater Education Certificate to operate, without supervision, a Personal Watercraft (PWC) or a boat powered by 15 hp motor or more.

Q. What is the minimum age to obtain The South Carolina Boater's Certificate?

A. Children must be at least 10 years of age in order to take the South Carolina exam and receive their South Carolina Boater's Certificate (also referred to as the South Carolina Boaters License).

Q. What is the minimum age to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) in South Carolina?

A. PWC operators in South Carolina must be at least 16 years of age if they have not successfully completed a boating safety course, approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Q. How do I get my South Carolina boaters license?

A. The steps required to get your South Carolina boaters license are as follows:

1. Study the South Carolina boating safety course manual
2. Take the South Carolina online boating exam
3. Pay for your exam
4. Print off your Certificate of Completion
5. Wait for your Boater Education Card to arrive in the mail 3-5 weeks later

For a complete overview of the South Carolina online boating exam process, please visit our South Carolina Boating License Online Exam Process overview page.

Q. What if I don't pass the South Carolina Boating Test?

A. No problem. At BoaterExam.com™, we have a Pay ony when you Pass policy. There is no cost to retry the exam if you do not pass. You will receive your score and be allowed to review any of your wrong answers. You can then review the course material and take the exam again at no cost to you.

Q. How much does the exam cost?

A. The cost of the exam is $29.95. There is no cost to get your Boater Education Card which will be mailed to you home within 3-5 weeks.

Q. What payment methods are accepted?

A. We accept payments by VISA, Mastercard, and PayPal.

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Q. What is the "Certificate of Completion"?

A. The Certificate of Completion is a temporary proof of competency and proves that you took a boater education course and passed.

Q. When will I receive my Boater Education Card in the mail?

A. Your card will arrive in 3-5 weeks from the date you take your exam.

Q. Do I have a time limit for the exam?

A. No. The exam is not timed but inactive exams will be erased after 12 hours.

Q. Can I write the exam at any time? Day or Night?

A. Yes. The exam is available to you at any time of the day, every day of the week.

Q. How many questions are on the exam?

A. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

Q. What is the passing grade?

A. The passing grade is 80%, or 48 correct answers out of 60 questions.

Q. Is anyone exempt from getting the Boater Education Card?

A. Yes. If you are under 16 years of age you may operate a watercraft under direct supervision of a sober adult 18 years old or older. Also, boaters under 16 years of age are exempt if they only operate vessels with less than 15 horsepower engines.

Q. What are the technical requirements for the online boating test?