The bill H. 3846 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 50-23-37, which mandates that owners of certain boats and nonmotorized floating structures anchored in South Carolina for more than thirty days must maintain a liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of one hundred thousand dollars. To obtain this insurance, boat and structure owners are required to provide a recent vessel survey confirming seaworthiness and functionality, conducted by a licensed boat surveyor. The bill also stipulates that insurance premiums must be current for policy renewals, and insurers are required to issue watercraft stickers that must be displayed on the respective vessels or structures.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for non-compliance, classifying violations as misdemeanors punishable by up to thirty days of imprisonment and fines of up to five hundred dollars. The provisions for both boats and nonmotorized floating structures include requirements for periodic surveys every three years to ensure continued compliance with the insurance policy. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/30/2025: 50-23-37
Latest Version: 50-23-37