The bill H. 3771 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 50-23-37, which mandates that owners of certain boats anchored in the state's waters for more than fourteen days must maintain marine recovery insurance. To obtain this insurance, boat owners are required to provide a recent vessel survey confirming the boat's seaworthiness and operational capability, conducted by a licensed surveyor within six months prior to policy issuance. The bill also stipulates that all policy premiums must be current for renewal, and insurers must issue two watercraft stickers for display on the boat, which include specific information such as the year, insurance company, policy number, and boat registration number.

Violations of this new requirement will be classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to thirty days of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to five hundred dollars. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/16/2025: 50-23-37
Latest Version: 50-23-37