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, conducted by a licensed boat surveyor. The bill specifies that all policy premiums must be current for 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 violations, classifying them as misdemeanors that could result in imprisonment for up to thirty days and fines of up to five hundred dollars. The provisions also stipulate that a new survey must be conducted every three years before the policy can be renewed. This legislation is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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