reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2310. Open and closed seasons on striped bass in Lake Greenwood and Boyd's Mill.

There shall be a closed season on the catching of striped bass in the waters of Lake Greenwood and Boyd's Mill, and it shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession on or immediately adjacent to the waters of the lake and Boyd's Mill any striped bass. The possession by any person of striped bass on or within one-half mile of the waters of the lake and in its tributaries shall be deemed prima facie a violation of the provisions hereof. However, the season for catching striped bass may be opened at such time as investigation reveals the desirability of opening such season, and such opening may be done by the department with the approval of a majority of the members of the House of Representatives and a majority of the Senators from the counties adjoining the lake.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-1271; 1955 (49) 186; 1972 (57) 2431; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
Code Commissioner's Note
At the direction of the Code Commissioner, "its tributaries" was substituted for "tributaries set forth in Sections 50-13-220 and 50-1-235" in the second sentence. Section 50-13-220 was repealed by 2008 Act No. 237.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2330. Removal and control of nongame fish.

The Department may use whatever methods are deemed wise and expedient to remove and control nongame fish in the waters of Lake Greenwood and its immediate tributaries and Boyd's Mill, provided that such methods are conducted under the supervision of personnel of the Department.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-1273; 1955 (49) 186; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2400. Bank fishing permitted in Lake Greenwood in State Park in Greenwood County.

Fishing shall be permitted from the bank of Lake Greenwood in that portion of the lake situate within the State Park in Greenwood County.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-1281; 1966 (54) 2776; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2410. Penalties.

Except as otherwise provided in this article, any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this article shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-1279; 1955 (49) 186; 1963 (53) 492; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2510 to 50-19-2530. Repealed by 2010 Act No. 200, Section 15, eff May 28, 2010.

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-19-2510 was entitled "Fishing regulations for Keowee-Toxaway Lakes" and was derived from 1962 Code Section 28-1287; 1969 (56) 722; 1981 Act No. 170, Section 7; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
Former Section 50-19-2520 was entitled "Authority to amend or promulgate regulations" and was derived from 1962 Code Section 28-1288; 1969 (56) 722; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
Former Section 50-19-2530 was entitled "Penalties" and was derived from 1962 Code Section 28-1290; 1969 (56) 722; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2610. Reciprocal agreement with Georgia as to recognition of resident fishing licenses.

The Department may negotiate a reciprocal agreement with the authorities of the state of Georgia whereby any resident of Georgia properly licensed by that state may fish anywhere in the Hartwell Reservoir, with no other license being required, provided, any resident of this State, properly licensed by this State, shall be permitted the same privilege of fishing anywhere in the Hartwell Reservoir, with no other license being required.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-1294; 1961 (52) 471; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2620, 50-19-2630. Repealed by 2010 Act No. 200, Section 15, eff May 28, 2010.

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-19-2620 was entitled "Fishing regulations for Hartwell Reservoir" and was derived from 1962 Code Section 28-1295; 1961 (52) 471; 1962 (52) 1948; 1981 Act No. 170, Section 8; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
Former Section 50-19-2630 was entitled "Amendments and additions to regulations" and was derived from 1962 Code Section 28-1296; 1961 (52) 471; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2640. Procedures for entering into reciprocal agreement with Georgia.

The Department shall also negotiate for and enter into a reciprocal agreement with the authorized officials of the state of Georgia, adopting rules and regulations for the preservation and propagation of fish and game within the area, the recognition of the licenses and permits of one state by the other and the enforcement of the laws of the two states over the area involved. If necessary to reach such agreement or it is deemed advisable for the better protection and management of the game and fish of this area, the Department may increase the bag limit prescribed by law to not more than twelve bass and thirty other game fish in possession at one time and may make and agree to other reasonable rules and regulations with the Georgia authorities, not inconsistent with the laws of this State, and may change or alter them from time to time. Any rules and regulations so adopted by the authorized officials of the two states, on the above subjects and not inconsistent with the laws of this State, shall have the force and effect of law after being published in newspapers circulating in the area at least once a week for three weeks and after copies thereof have been filed with the Secretary of State, as provided by law. Any reciprocal agreement so entered into shall contain a provision that either party thereto may cancel it upon ninety days' written notice to the other party.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-1297; 1961 (52) 471; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
Code Commissioner's Note
At the direction of the Code Commissioner, "bag limit prescribed by law" in the second sentence was substituted for "bag limit prescribed in Section 50-13-220". Section 50-13-220 was repealed by 2008 Act No. 237.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2650. Penalties.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this article or any of the rules or regulations adopted and promulgated under the authority thereof is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than ten nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-1299; 1961 (52) 471; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-2710. Enforcement of fishing regulations in boundary streams; authority to establish reciprocal agreements with Georgia.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the department is hereby authorized to establish and enforce such regulation of fishing in the boundary streams between this State and the state of Georgia above the Hartwell Reservoir as may be necessary to make the regulation by the two states uniform. The department is further authorized to enter into or modify such reciprocal agreements with the state of Georgia as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose of this section.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 28-1301; 1962 (52) 1726; 1972 (57) 2431; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 19 - Special Hunting And Fishing Provisions For Certain Counties And Areas › Section 50-19-3010. Repealed by 2008 Act No. 286, Section 11, eff June 11, 2008.

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-19-3010 was entitled "Lawful methods of catching fish" and was derived from 1962 Code Section 28-1331; 1955 (49) 288; 1956 (49) 1661; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1267.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 20 - Interstate Boating Violation Compact › Section 50-20-30. Appointment of Administrator; reciprocal recognition of suspension of privileges; regulations; amendment of compact.

(A) The Director of the Department of Natural Resources shall appoint the Boating Compact Administrator for South Carolina. The Boating Compact Administrator shall serve at the pleasure of the Director of the Department of Natural Resources.
(B) The Department of Natural Resources must deny, suspend, or revoke the watercraft operating privileges or watercraft operator's license of any person in this State to the extent that the watercraft operating privileges or the watercraft operator's license have been denied, suspended, or revoked by another compact member under the provisions of this chapter.
(C) The Department of Natural Resources shall promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(D) Any proposed amendment to the compact must be submitted to the General Assembly as an amendment to this act. In order to be endorsed by the State of South Carolina as provided by subsection (B) of Article IX of the compact, a proposed amendment to the compact must be enacted into law.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 178 (H.4561), Section 1, eff May 16, 2014.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-20. Legislative declaration of policy.

It is the policy of this State to promote safety for persons and property in and connected with the use, operation, and equipment of vessels and to promote uniformity of laws relating thereto.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.1; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-35. Repealed by 2008 Act No. 344, Section 30, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-21-35 was entitled "Use of demonstration numbers; contents of application form; penalties" and was derived from 1999 Act No. 100, Part II, Section 64.I.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-40. Administration of chapter.

The administration of this chapter shall be vested in the department. The department shall enforce this chapter through its Natural Resources Enforcement Division.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.3; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2431; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-45. Administration of oaths; acknowledgment of signatures.

Officers and employees of the Department engaged in the work of administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter may administer oaths and acknowledge signatures and must do so without fee.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 363, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-50. Director and other personnel to carry out provisions of chapter; salary and terms of employment.

The director shall employ or assign such clerical, administrative, technical and enforcement personnel as may be required to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.4; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2431; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-60. Repealed by 2008 Act No. 344, Section 30, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 11, 2008).

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-21-60 was entitled "Personnel, expenses, and salaries approved by Budget and Control Board" and was derived from 1962 Code Section 70-295.5; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-70. Limit on expenses and costs of administration.

The expenses and cost of administration of this chapter shall at no time exceed the revenue derived through the provisions of this chapter and funds received from the federal government for use in administering boating laws.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.6; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-80. Enforcement of provisions of chapter; authority to issue summons or make arrests.

Any person employed or elected by this State or political subdivision thereof, whose duty it is to preserve the peace or to make arrests or to enforce the law including, but not limited to, members of the sheriff's departments, state police, enforcement officers, deputies, or other qualified persons, upon recommendation of the appropriate agency, may be empowered to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The department shall be the agency primarily responsible for enforcement of all laws pertaining to boating. Any such person is empowered to issue a summons for appearance in court or before a magistrate or make arrest for violations of this chapter or of the regulations prescribed under it.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.17; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 2008 Act No. 321, Section 1, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 16, 2008).
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment rewrote this section to delete provisions relating to authority to stop and board vessels.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-85. Conditions for operation of vessel displaying blue light; operating procedure in presence of such vessel; violations.

A person shall not operate a vessel displaying or using a rotating, strobing, flashing, or intermittently reflecting blue light unless a duly commissioned law enforcement officer is on board.
The operator of a vessel being approached by a vessel flashing a blue light shall stop or maneuver in a way as to permit boarding, so far as possible without endangering his vessel, and not begin normal movement again until directed by the law enforcement officer or until the vessel flashing a blue light has cleared the immediate area.
The operator of a vessel approaching an area where a vessel flashing a blue light is located or patrolling shall slow his vessel to a no wake speed and shall maintain the speed until clear of the area.
A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned not more than thirty days for each violation.
HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 68, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 2011 Act No. 59, Section 1, eff August 1, 2011.
Effect of Amendment
The 2011 amendment, in the first paragraph, substituted "A person shall not operate a vessel displaying, or using a rotating, strobing, flashing, or intermittently reflecting" for "No person shall operate any vessel displaying, reflecting or flashing a"; in the second paragraph, substituted "a vessel" for "any vessel" following "The operator of", deleted "such" preceding "a way as to permit", and deleted "own" following "without endangering his"; in the third paragraph, substituted "a vessel" for "any vessel" following "The operator of", and substituted "the speed" for "such speed"; and in the fourth paragraph, substituted "A person" for "Any person" and "must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned not more than thirty days for each violation" for "shall be punished as provided in Section 50-21-150".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-87. Operation of vessel prohibited within fifty feet of vessel displaying diver down flag; diving prohibited within fifty feet of vessel whose occupant is fishing.

(A) A person may not operate a vessel within fifty feet of another vessel when a diver is displaying a diver down flag (red with a diagonal white stripe) to mark the location of the diver. When the flag is being displayed in a water body too narrow to allow passage of another vessel other than within fifty feet, a vessel operator may proceed only past the displayed flag at a no-wake speed and allowing as much clearance between his vessel and the displayed flag as is safe and practical.
(B) A person may not engage in diving activities within fifty feet of a vessel whose occupant is fishing.
(C) A person does not violate this section if he fishes or displays a dive flag in an area before another person subsequently engages in diving activities or operates a vessel within fifty feet of a displayed dive flag.
HISTORY: 1993 Act No. 60, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-90. Boating safety and educational program.

(A) The department must administer a boating safety education course and may approve of additional boating safety education courses. A list of approved courses must be provided on the department's website.
(B) The following persons must be issued a South Carolina boating safety certificate in both physical and electronic forms by the department:
(1) a person who successfully completes a boating safety education course administered or approved by the department;
(2) a person who provides satisfactory proof to the department that the person was issued a boating safety certificate, or an equivalency, by another state; and (3) a person who provides satisfactory proof to the department that the person was issued a license to operate a vessel by the United States Coast Guard or was issued a merchant mariner credential by the United States Coast Guard.
(C) The department must approve of one or more boat rental safety education courses to be taken by persons renting a vessel, personal watercraft, or specialty propcraft from businesses engaged in the renting of vessels, personal watercrafts, or specialty propcrafts. A person who completes a boat rental safety education course approved by the department must be issued a boat rental safety certificate in either electronic or physical form in the person's name. A boat rental safety certificate is valid for thirty days from the date of issuance and only while operating a vessel, personal watercraft, or specialty propcraft from a business engaged in the renting of vessels, personal watercrafts, or specialty propcrafts.
(D) The department must maintain a database of all persons issued a South Carolina boating safety certificate.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.7; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 2023 Act No. 74 (S.96), Section 2, eff August 18, 2023.
Effect of Amendment
2023 Act No. 74, Section 2, rewrote the section.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-95. Lawful operation of certain vessels; penalties.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to operate upon the waters of this State a vessel powered by an engine of ten horsepower or greater or equivalent to ten horsepower or greater, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft unless the person:
(1) was born on or before July 1, 2007;
(2) is in possession of a South Carolina boating safety certificate issued in the person's name or is documented by the department as having been issued a South Carolina boating safety certificate;
(3) is in possession of a license to operate a vessel issued by the United States Coast Guard in the person's name, regardless of the expiration date on the license;
(4) is in possession of a merchant mariner credential issued by the United States Coast Guard in the person's name, regardless of the expiration date on the credential;
(5) is a nonresident in possession of a boating safety certificate, or an equivalency, issued by another state in the nonresident's name;
(6) is operating a vessel, personal watercraft, or specialty propcraft from a business engaged in the renting of vessels, personal watercrafts, or specialty propcrafts and is in possession of a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the person's name; or
(7) is accompanied by a person at least eighteen years old who meets one of the criteria in items (1) through (5) of this subsection.
(B) A person who is adjudicated to be in violation of this section must be fined not less than fifty dollars and not more than three hundred dollars, no part of which may be suspended. No court costs, assessments, or surcharges may be assessed against a person who violates this section. A custodial arrest for a violation of this section must not be made, except upon a warrant issued for failure to appear in court when summoned or for failure to pay an imposed fine. A violation of this section does not constitute a criminal offense and must not be included in the records maintained by the department or in the records maintained by SLED.
HISTORY: 2023 Act No. 74 (S.96), Section 3, eff August 18, 2023.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-100. Records to be kept by owners of boat liveries.

The owner of a boat livery shall cause to be kept a record of the name and address of the person or persons hiring any vessel; the identification number thereof, and the departure date and time, and the expected time of return. The record shall be preserved for at least six months.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.10; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-105. Towing of watercraft by department.

The department may tow away and store at the nearest commercial marina or any other suitable facility any unattended watercraft, a watercraft the operator of which is ill, intoxicated, or under a disability which renders him incapable of functioning safely, or other object which constitutes a hazard to navigation and which is not within an anchorage area approved by the United States Coast Guard.
The owner may regain control of the watercraft or other object by proving ownership to the operator of the facility and paying the fee charged for storage.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 452, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-110. Negligent operation of water device; offense; penalties.

(A) No person may operate any water device in a negligent manner.
(B) Negligent operation includes, but is not limited to, operating a water device at more than idle speed in a no wake zone, failing to maintain a proper lookout for other boats or persons, operating too fast for conditions on the water, racing, or pulling a skier through a designated swimming area.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days for each violation.
(D) In addition to other penalties, the department shall require any person who is convicted under this section three times within a five-year period to attend and complete a boating safety education program approved by the department. The person required to attend the class shall reimburse the department for the expense of the class. A person's privilege to operate a water device within this State must be suspended until successful completion of the required class.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.11; 1955 (49) 299; 1957 (50) 125; 1959 (51) 409; 1971 (57) 853; 1972 (57) 2791; 1973 (58) 648; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.C.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-111. Reckless operation of water device; offense; penalties.

(A) A person who operates any water device in such a manner as to indicate either a wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless operation.
(B) Reckless operation includes, but is not limited to, weaving through congested vessel traffic at more than idle speed; or jumping the wake of another vessel within two hundred feet of that vessel; or crossing the path or wake of another vessel when the visibility around the other vessel is obstructed; or maintaining a collision course with another vessel or object and swerving away in close proximity to the other vessel or object.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
(D) A person convicted of reckless operation, in addition to any other penalties, shall be required by the department to attend and complete a boating safety education program approved by the department. The person required to attend the program shall reimburse the department for the expense of the program. A person's privilege to operate a water device within this State shall be suspended until successful completion of the required program.
A person's privilege to operate a water device within this State shall be suspended by the department for a period of ninety days upon conviction of a second offense of reckless operation of a water device within a five-year period. Following the ninety-day suspension, the person's privilege shall remain suspended until successful completion of a boating safety education program approved by the department. The person required to attend the program shall reimburse the department for the expense of the program.
HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.D.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-113. Operation of moving water device while under the influence of alcohol or drugs resulting in property damage, great bodily injury or death; penalties.

(A) A person who, while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or the combination of alcohol and drugs operates a moving water device, or is in actual control of a moving water device within this State and causes great bodily injury or death of a person other than himself, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished by a mandatory fine of not less than:
(1) five thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars and mandatory imprisonment for not less than thirty days nor more than fifteen years when great bodily injury results;
(2) ten thousand dollars nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars and mandatory imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than twenty-five years when death results.
No part of the mandatory sentences required to be imposed by this section may be suspended, and probation may not be granted for any portion.
(B) As used in subsection (A) "great bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
(C) A person who, while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or the combination of alcohol and drugs operates or is in actual control of a moving water device within this State and causes damage to property other than his own, or injury other than great bodily injury to a person other than himself, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both.
(D) The department shall suspend the privilege of a person who is convicted or who pleads guilty or nolo contendere under this section to operate a water device or be in actual control of a moving water device within this State for a period to include any term of imprisonment plus:
(1) three years in the case of death or great bodily injury; or
(2) one year in the case of property damage or injury other than great bodily injury.
(E) The suspensions under this section are in addition to and not in lieu of any other civil remedies or criminal penalties.
HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.F.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-115. Reckless homicide by operation of boat; penalty; persons convicted of certain offenses prohibited from operating boat.

When the death of a person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury received by the operation of a boat in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the person operating the boat is guilty of reckless homicide. A person convicted of reckless homicide or a person who enters a plea of guilty of reckless homicide and receives sentence thereon must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both. A person convicted of reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, manslaughter, or murder in the operation of a boat must be prohibited by the court having jurisdiction of these violations from operating any boat within this State for a period of not more than five years.
HISTORY: 1980 Act No. 312, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2; 2001 Act No. 97, Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-116. Chemical tests to determine presence of alcohol and/or drugs; requesting additional tests; release of results.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person must submit to either one or a combination of chemical tests of his breath, blood, or urine for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs, if there is probable cause to believe that the person violated or is under arrest for a violation of Section 50-21-113.
The tests must be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that the person violated or is under arrest for violation of Section 50-21-113. The administration of one test does not preclude the administration of other tests. The resistance, obstruction, or opposition to testing pursuant to this section is evidence admissible at the trial of the offense which precipitated the requirement for testing. A person who is tested or gives samples for testing may have a qualified person of his choice conduct additional tests at his expense and must be notified of that right. A person's request or failure to request additional blood or urine tests is not admissible against the person in the criminal trial.
The provisions of Section 50-21-114, relating to the administration of tests to determine a person's alcohol concentration, additional tests at the person's expense, the availability of other evidence on the question of whether or not the person was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them, availability of test information to the person or his attorney, and the liability of medical institutions and person administering the tests are applicable to this section and also extend to the officer requesting the test, the State or its political subdivisions, or governmental agency, or entity which employs the officer making the request, and the agency, institution, or employer, either governmental or private, of persons administering the tests. Notwithstanding any other provision of law pertaining to confidentiality of hospital records or other medical records, information regarding tests performed pursuant to this section must be released, upon subpoena, to a court, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, or law enforcement officer in connection with an alleged violation of Section 50-21-113.
HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.I.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-117. Operation of water device while privileges suspended; offense; penalties.

(A) A person who operates any water device while his privileges are suspended is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined two hundred dollars or imprisoned for thirty days for the first violation; for a second violation must be fined five hundred dollars and imprisoned for sixty consecutive days; and for a third or subsequent violation must be imprisoned for not less than ninety days nor more than six months, no portion of which may be suspended by the trial judge.
(B) If the privileges of the person convicted were suspended pursuant to the provisions of Section 50-21-112 or 50-21-113, he must be punished as follows and no part of the minimum sentence may be suspended:
(1) for a first offense, imprisoned for not less than ten nor more than thirty days;
(2) for a second offense, imprisoned for not less than sixty days nor more than six months;
(3) for a third and subsequent offense, not less than six months nor more than three years.
(C) A person who is convicted under the provisions of subsection (A) must have his privileges suspended for an additional three years by the department.
(D) The suspension penalties assessed under this section are in addition to and not in lieu of any other civil remedies or criminal penalties which may be assessed.
HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.J.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-120. Duty of boat livery as to equipment, registration and the like; liability of owner for negligent operation of vessel.

Neither the owner, his agent, or employees of a boat livery operating in this State shall permit any vessel to depart from his premises unless it is in sound and safe operating condition, have a valid registration, is properly numbered and is provided, either by the owner or the renter, with the equipment required pursuant to Section 50-21-610 and any regulations made pursuant thereto; and the owner of a boat livery shall be liable for damage or injury which may result directly from his failure to meet the requirements of this paragraph; provided, however, that readily identifiable livery boats of less than twenty-six feet in length leased or rented to another for the latter's noncommercial use for less than seven days may have the registration certificate retained ashore by the owner or his representative.
The owner of a vessel shall be liable for any injury or damage occasioned by the negligent operation of such vessel whether the negligence consists of a violation of the provisions of the statutes of this State or neglecting to observe the ordinary care in the operation as the regulations of common law require. The owner shall not be liable, however, unless the vessel is being used with his express or implied consent or is in the possession of a person or organization legally responsible therefor. It shall be presumed that the vessel is being operated with the knowledge and consent of the owner if, at the time of the injury or damage, it is under control of a member of the owner's household. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to relieve any other person from any liability which he would otherwise have. Provided, the owner of a boat livery shall not be liable as an owner as provided in this paragraph, and in case of any negligent injury or damage occasioned by the operation of a vessel rented or hired from a boat livery, the operator of the vessel shall be liable as owner thereof.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.12; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1973 (58) 648; 1979 Act No. 95, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.K.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-125. Restrictions on swimming near public landing on hydroelectric generation lake or reservoir; no wake zone.

It is unlawful for a person to swim within fifty feet of a public boat landing or ramp located on a lake or reservoir constructed or developed by an investor-owned utility for hydroelectric generation. For purposes of this section, a public boat landing or ramp is one owned or maintained by an investor-owned utility for hydroelectric generation and is available to the public at large. The area where swimming is prohibited must be clearly marked and signs must be posted to give public notice that no swimming is allowed in the area. Watercraft must slow to no wake speed when operated within two hundred feet of the landing or ramp.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 296, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 2008 Act No. 286, Section 7, eff June 11, 2008.
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 amendment deleted the fifth and sixth sentences relating to no wake signage and the seventh sentence exempting that portion of Game Zone No. 4 in Lancaster County.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-132 to 50-21-139. Repealed by 2008 Act No. 321, Section 6, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 16, 2008).

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-21-132 was entitled "Lake Moultrie no wake zone established; boundaries" and was derived from 2000 Act No. 276, Section 1.
Former Section 50-21-133 was entitled "Sullivan's Island and Combahee River no wake zones established; penalty" and was derived from 1999 Act No. 124, Section 1; 2000 Act No. 385, Section 1.
Former Section 50-21-135 was entitled "Ashley River no wake zone established" and was derived from 1991 Act No. 160, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
Former Section 50-21-136 was entitled "Hilton Head Island no wake zones established; offense; punishment" and was derived from 1998 Act No. 361, Section 1; 1999 Act No. 100, Part II, Section 101; 1999 Act No. 124, Section 49.
Former Section 50-21-137 was entitled "No wake zone on Ashley River near certain historic sites" and was derived from 1992 Act No. 344, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
Former Section 50-21-138 was entitled "No wake zone on Lucy Point Creek" and was derived from 1999 Act No. 124, Section 3.
Former Section 50-21-139 was entitled "No wake zone established in Tail Race Canal" and was derived from 1990 Act No. 402, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-140. Division to furnish information on collisions and numbering of vessels to officials or agencies of United States.

In accordance with any request duly made by an authorized official or agency of the United States, any information compiled or otherwise available to the department pursuant to Sections 50-21-310 and 50-21-130 shall be transmitted to the official or agency of the United States for analytical and statistical purposes.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.14; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1972 (57) 2791; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-142 to 50-21-145. Repealed by 2008 Act No. 321, Section 6, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 16, 2008).

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-21-142 was entitled "Cooper River no wake zone established" and was derived from 2001 Act No. 21, Section 1.
Former Section 50-21-143 was entitled "Little Chechessee Creek no wake zone established" and was derived from 1998 Act No. 364, Section 1.
Former Section 50-21-144 was entitled "Cat Creek no wake zone established" and was derived from 1998 Act No. 364, Section 2.
Former Section 50-21-145 was entitled "No wake and no swimming zones on Lakes Keowee and Jocassee" and was derived from 1984 Act No. 512, Part II, Section 60; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-146. Discharging firearm at boat landing or ramp prohibited.

A person who discharges a firearm at a public boat landing or ramp is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished as provided in Section 50-1-130.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 458, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-147. Repealed by 2008 Act No. 321, Section 6, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 16, 2008).

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-21-147 was entitled "No wake zone in vicinity of Kiawah Docking Facility" and was derived from 1984 Act No. 502, Section 3; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-148. Prohibition against obstruction of pier, dock, wharf, boat ramp, or access areas; erection of signs; penalties for violation.

It is unlawful to obstruct any pier, dock, wharf, boat ramp, or the access area to the facilities. Any vessel, vehicle, or other object left unattended which obstructs any of the facilities or the access to them may be removed entirely at the risk and expense of the owner. The department, with the advice of the Department of Transportation, shall erect signs at appropriate locations advertising the provisions of this section. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 378, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-149. Repealed by 2008 Act No. 321, Section 6, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 16, 2008).

Editor's Note
Former Section 50-21-149 was entitled "No wake zone on certain part of Congaree River" and was derived from 1988 Act No. 551, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-150. Penalties.

A person who violates this chapter or regulations promulgated by the department pursuant to it where the penalty is not specified is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days for each violation.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.15; 1955 (49) 299; 1957 (50) 125; 1959 (51) 409; 1961 (52) 588; 1972 (57) 2791; 1973 (58) 648; 1986 Act No. 376, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 128, Section 4; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 124, Section 2.M.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-160. Disposition of fees and fines.

(A) Except as provided in subsection (B), all fees or fines collected pursuant to this chapter must be held and utilized for the purpose of paying the expenses of the Natural Resources Enforcement Division of the department and other department operations. Twenty-five percent of all fines must be retained by the county in which the fine is levied.
(B) To the extent fees collected pursuant to Sections 50-21-340, 50-21-370, and 50-21-380, in connection with registration of boats, are attributable to fee increases beginning July 1, 1999, revenues from those fee increases must be used by the department for its law enforcement responsibilities. Any surplus may be carried forward for that use.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.16; 1955 (49) 299; 1959 (51) 409; 1992 Act No. 501, Part II, Section 44A; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269; 1999 Act No. 100, Part II, Section 64.A.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-170. Relationship between state and federal regulations; effect of changes in federal law or regulations.

The statutes and regulations, including the United States Coast Guard Navigational Rules that pertain to watercraft and watercraft safety, associated marine equipment, performance and operation of watercraft, standard numbering and registration of watercraft, and boating accident reporting as enacted by the Congress of the United States or as promulgated by the appropriate department of the United States government, are the law of the State of South Carolina. Any person violating the provisions of the statutes or regulations, upon conviction, must be punished as provided in Section 50-21-150.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 377, Section 1; 1988 Act No. 566, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1269.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft › Chapter 21 - Equipment And Operation Of Watercraft › Section 50-21-175. Watercraft to heave to on Coast Guard signal; cooperation by operator, crew and passengers; penalties; magistrates court jurisdiction.

(A) The operator and crew of any watercraft operating in state waters are required to heave to when signaled or hailed and allow boarding by law enforcement officers or U.S. Coast Guard personnel.
(B) The operator, crew, and passengers of any watercraft operating in state waters are required to cooperate with law enforcement officers or U. S. Coast Guard personnel.
(C) Any operator, crew member, or passenger of any watercraft violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
(D) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the magistrates court retains jurisdiction for violations of this section.
HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 245, Section 19; 2002 Act No. 342, Section 48; 2008 Act No. 321, Section 3, eff 6 months after approval (approved June 16, 2008).
Effect of Amendment
The 2008 added subsection (D) relating to magistrates court jurisdiction.