South Carolina is currently one of only four US states with no boater education requirements. The new bill will add South Carolina to the majority of states that require boating safety courses for some or all boaters.
As the article points out, South Carolina is one of only 4 states that did not have a similar training requirement. Whether the boater training is actually adequate or not is open for discussion. IMHO, in person classes done by the Power Squadron or USCG Auxiliary are probably pretty good – the states that only require on-line computer classes that comply with the content standard not so much.
I lived in the Midwest until the mid-90's. My state already had a law back then. And like the South Carolina law, the requirement is for everyone whose birthday is prior to a certain date. Anyone younger than about 45 from my former home has to have had the training by now, or to get it if they acquire a boat.
Since most fatal boat accidents involve excess alcohol, I suspect that you are right that younger boaters in their 20's and 30's are probably involved in a disproportionate share of accidents. Rigorous enforcement of BWI laws would probably have a larger impact on safety than training of young people, but that doesn't make the training requirement a bad idea.
BTW, the USCG publishes statistical data on boating accidents and events like boat fires every year. Look on the Coast Guard website if you want to find it.
As a follow up on my comment last month how about a breakdown on boating accidents by age responsible? Without that data, we're just blowing smoke and can't be sure we're actually addressing the problem. Anyone?
I would like to see some STATISTICS on boating accidents/fatalities from states that have these laws and those that don't. And do these laws make a difference? 16 years old or younger? Like driving a car, I suspect many if not most boating accidents are caused by older teenagers and those in their 20s.
The South Carolina barrier island just 30 minutes from Charleston may just be the area’s best-kept secret and, of course, is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Isle of Palms Marina.
Cruisers Net was advised this morning that the “Ships Store” at Isle of Palms marina is fully open and available to all. Fully operational. Boaters are invited to visit IOP and enjoy all the amenities.
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
SCDNR to conduct courtesy boat inspections during July 4th holiday, weekend
SCDNR’s courtesy boat inspections during the July 4th holiday are aimed at keeping everyone safe.
In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the July 4th holiday and preceding weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state.
The July 4th holiday is one of the busiest boating times of the year for South Carolina lakes and waterways, and officers want to do everything possible to keep everyone’s weekend fun and safe.
SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water. The boating inspections will be conducted July 1, July 2 and July 4.
To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cellular phone.
For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.
July 4th, weekend boat inspection locations (most inspections are from 10 a.m. to Noon):
Saturday, July 1:
Beaufort County: Lemon Island Landing, Chechessee River, 10 a.m. to Noon
SCDNR to conduct courtesy boat inspections during Memorial Day weekend
SCDNR officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment at public boat landings during the Memorial Day weekend.
In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Memorial Day weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state.
The Memorial Day holiday kicks off the summer boating season and is one of the busiest times of the year for South Carolina lakes and waterways, and officers want to do everything possible to keep everyone’s weekend fun and safe.
SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.
To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cellular phone.
For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.
Memorial Day weekend boat inspection locations (all inspections are from 10 a.m. to Noon):
Saturday, May 27:
Anderson County: Twin Lakes Landing, Lake Hartwell: 10 a.m. to Noon
SOUTH CAROLINA – CHARLESTON HARBOR – CHARLESTON PARADE OF BOATS: Special Local Regulation and Marine Event.
The City of Charleston’s annual Parade of Boats will be held on the waters of Charleston Harbor on December 10, 2022 from 4 p.m. through 8 p.m. This event will consist of approximately 35 powerboats with decorative light displayed on a parade route throughout the harbor. Participating vessels will assemble in Commercial Anchorage B and begin its northern route around Commercial Anchorage A, continuing through Bennis Reach, beyond Patriots Point to the Ravenel Bridge. The parade will then transit south down through Tidewater Reach, and will conclude at City Marina east of the James Island Connector. A special local regulation established in 33 CFR 100.704 will be in effect for this event. No persons or vessels may enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the designated event area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative. Vessels are advised to transit with caution in the vicinity. Official event patrol can be contacted via VHF Channels 16 and 78. For questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Sector Charleston Waterways Management Division at (843) 740-3184 or the Sector’s 24-hour Command Center at (843) 740-7050.
Palmetto Park Jam is back this fall! Grateful Dead tribute band The Reckoning returns to headline this live music event at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park on Sunday, Oct. 23.
SCDNR courtesy boat inspections set for July 4th holiday weekend
Officers will perform quick but thorough safety inspections at boat landings across the state July 2, July 3 and July 4
In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Independence Day holiday, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will once again be conducting courtesy boat inspections at some public boat landings around the state. The Fourth of July weekend is the year’s busiest weekend on state waters, and officers want to do everything possible to keep boaters out of harm’s way.
SCDNR officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registration. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.
Additional courtesy boat inspections will also be hosted later in July.
To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431. For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit the Boater Education page.
Courtesy inspection sites for July 2, July 3 and July 4:
Date
Landing
Time
County
7/2/2022
Bass Pro Shop – ICW
10am-Noon
Horry
7/2/2022
Lake Murray Dam
10am-Noon
Lexington
7/2/2022
South Cove Park – Lake Keowee
10am-Noon
Oconee
7/2/2022
Ebenezer Park Landing – Lake Wylie
10am-Noon
York
7/3/2022
Riverfork Boat Ramp – Lake Hartwell
10am-Noon
Anderson
7/3/2022
Alex Harvin Landing – Lake Marion
10am-Noon
Clarendon
7/3/2022
Bennetts Pt Boat Ramp – ICW
10am-Noon
Colleton
7/3/2022
East Bay Street Boat Ramp – ICW
10am-Noon
Georgetown
7/3/2022
Clearwater Cove – Lake Wateree
10am-Noon
Kershaw
7/3/2022
Galivants Ferry Landing – Little Pee Dee
10am-Noon
Marion
7/4/2022
Remleys Pt Boat Ramp – CHS Harbor
10am-Noon
Charleston
7/4/2022
Greenwood State Park – Lake Greenwood
10am-Noon
Greenwood
7/4/2022
Society Hill Landing – Great PeeDee River
10am-Noon
Marlboro
7/4/2022
Billy Dreher Island State Park
10am-Noon
Newberry
7/4/2022
Twelve Mile Park – Lake Hartwell
10am-Noon
Pickens
7/4/2022
Ebenezer Park Landing – Lake Wylie
10am-Noon
York
SCDNR law enforcement officers will offer courtesy boat inspections throughout the state during the July 4th weekend.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Rembert C. Dennis Building 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
The South Carolina barrier island just 30 minutes from Charleston may just be the area’s best-kept secret and, of course, is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Isle of Palms Marina.
Charleston County Parks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is proud to announce the return of Summer Entertainment Series beginning in June. Fun for kids and grandkids at James Island and Wannamaker County Parks.
The lighthouse at Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Resort, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!, is only one of the many attractions at this wonderful facility. Come anytime of year for great dockage, food and entertainment.
Harbour Town Lighthouse Adds New Historical Chapter with Installation of Fresnel Lens
‘Invention that saved a million ships’ now on display for visitors to The Sea Pines Resort
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (May 9, 2022) – The iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island has added an exciting chapter to its storied history with the installation of a genuine Fresnel lens to further the power of the light that blossoms from the top. Just over five decades old, the red-and-white striped Lighthouse — featured prominently in CBS’ coverage last month of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage golf tournament — serves not only as a beacon to the many ships that reside in the Yacht Basin but also as a landmark that symbolizes the region and the resort.
Developed in the 1820s for use in lighthouses, Fresnel (pronounced “fray-NEL”) lenses are not only stunning pieces of artwork, but their functionality has led them to be called “the invention that saved a million ships.” For visitors to the Lighthouse, the 114-step trip to the observation deck now offers an additional payoff.
“The Fresnel lens is as beautiful in the day as when it’s illuminated at night,” said Rob Bender, director of recreation and marine operations for The Sea Pines Resort. “There is a great deal of history associated with this Lighthouse and this represented a great opportunity to add to it.”
Bender added the Fresnel lens’ installation is a crowning achievement for The Sea Pines Resort and keepers of the Lighthouse, property manager Mark King and keeper Nadia Wagner. “It’s a great partnership; it took a lot of patience but was well worth it,” Bender said.
Talk of bringing in a Fresnel lens was initiated nearly a decade ago but Hurricane Matthew and other factors played roles in the delay. Final approval was even needed from the United States Coast Guard, a process that took four months alone.
The new Lighthouse lens is a replica of the original Fourth Order Fresnel lens as created and designed by Dan Spinella, a Florida-based artist and engineer who began his research and restoration work on the lenses 30 years ago. To date, Spinella said 46 reproduction Fresnel lenses have been manufactured and installed in U.S. lighthouses as both aids to navigation and as exhibits in lighthouse museums, such as Harbour Town.
At the time of its design by French physicist Augustin Fresnel, the lens was hailed as a scientific wonder and revolutionized the way lighthouses illuminated the waterways of the world. With their intricate design of hundreds of prisms arranged in a beehive shape, Fresnel lenses are not only engineering marvels but also incredible works of art with a futuristic look despite dating back more than 200 years ago.
Harbour Town Lighthouse, which is open 10 a.m. to sundown for daily tours, features numerous historical exhibits as well as a gift shop. Admission is $5.75 per person; children 5 and under are free.
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About The Sea Pines Resort
Situated on the southernmost tip of Hilton Head Island, the legendary Lowcountry destination features five miles of unspoiled beaches, 20 clay tennis courts, 14 miles of bike and walking trails, horseback riding, Eco-Adventures, water sports, and the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve filled with wildflowers, wetlands, and more than 130 species of birds. As the first Eco-planned destination in the U.S., The Sea Pines Resort has become the blueprint for numerous beach developments around the country. Guests can choose from an array of accommodations, including 300 villas, 100 rental homes, and the luxurious 60-room Inn & Club at Harbour Town, a Forbes Four-Star boutique hotel and Preferred Hotel Group member. The resort’s best-in-class collection of golf courses, amenities, meeting facilities, and accommodations makes Sea Pines one of the most sought-after leisure and group destinations in America.
Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center watchstanders received multiple uncorrelated distress calls on the digital selective calling (DSC) system carried over a VHF marine radio in the Hilton Head and Beaufort area over the past few months.
CHARLESTON, S.C.— The Coast Guard has received multiple uncorrelated distress calls on the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) system carried over a VHF marine radio in the Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina area over the past few months.
These DSC calls are originating from an unregistered radio displaying an MMSI address of 100000001.
The first signal was received by the Coast Guard on April 26, 2021, ceased in July of 2021, and resumed intermittent transmissions in February 2022, causing interference with marine radio traffic in the Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina area.
False distress calls have the potential to mask genuine distress calls and overwhelm the search and rescue system’s ability to respond to emergencies. The Coast Guard urges all mariners to check their VHF radios and contact the Coast Guard if you have any information about the faulty radio at 843-740-7050.
This new law went into effect March 14 and establishes increased boat-to-dock limits on most of South Carolina’s major reservoirs. The law does not apply to the Intracoastal Waterway.
New law increases distance limits between a boat, docks in many S.C. waters, prohibits wake surfing within 200 feet
A new law increases the distance to docks limit for boating to 100 feet on most state waters and prohibits wake surfing within 200 feet on all S.C. waters. (RBFF photo)
New law increases distance limits between a boat, docks in many S.C. waters, prohibits wake surfing within 200 feet
A new law signed into effect March 14 by Gov. Henry Dargan McMaster establishes on most of South Carolina’s major reservoirs a new 100-foot distance limit that boats underway must observe when approaching a dock, a person in the water or an anchored vessel.
The new law, which doubles the previous distance of 50 feet, applies to the waters of Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Monticello, Lake Murray, Lake Robinson, Lake Russell, Lake Secession, Lake Thurmond, Lake Wateree, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Parr Reservoir, or the portion of the Savannah River from the Interstate 20 Savannah River Bridge to the New Savannah River Bluff Lock and Dam. The 100-foot distance limit does not apply to Lake Moultrie.
The new law also prohibits “wake surfing” on all S.C. waters within 200 feet of a dock, a person in the water or an anchored watercraft. Wake surfing is defined in the new law as “a vessel that is ballasted in the stern so as to create a wake that is, or is intended to be, surfed by another person.”
Colonel A. Chisolm Frampton, SCDNR deputy director for law enforcement, said: “This is a much-needed change that will increase boating safety for all South Carolina boaters.”
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Rembert C. Dennis Building 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Charleston County Parks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, announces the return of three Yappy Hours at James Island County Park. Pooches and owners are invited for an evening of live music, drinks and off-leash fun. First Yappy Hour is April 21st.
Comments from Cruisers (3)
As the article points out, South Carolina is one of only 4 states that did not have a similar training requirement. Whether the boater training is actually adequate or not is open for discussion. IMHO, in person classes done by the Power Squadron or USCG Auxiliary are probably pretty good – the states that only require on-line computer classes that comply with the content standard not so much.
I lived in the Midwest until the mid-90's. My state already had a law back then. And like the South Carolina law, the requirement is for everyone whose birthday is prior to a certain date. Anyone younger than about 45 from my former home has to have had the training by now, or to get it if they acquire a boat.
Since most fatal boat accidents involve excess alcohol, I suspect that you are right that younger boaters in their 20's and 30's are probably involved in a disproportionate share of accidents. Rigorous enforcement of BWI laws would probably have a larger impact on safety than training of young people, but that doesn't make the training requirement a bad idea.
BTW, the USCG publishes statistical data on boating accidents and events like boat fires every year. Look on the Coast Guard website if you want to find it.
As a follow up on my comment last month how about a breakdown on boating accidents by age responsible?
Without that data, we're just blowing smoke and can't be sure we're actually addressing the problem.
Anyone?
I would like to see some STATISTICS on boating accidents/fatalities from states that have these laws and those that don't. And do these laws make a difference? 16 years old or younger? Like driving a car, I suspect many if not most boating accidents are caused by older teenagers and those in their 20s.