A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-23-37 SO AS TO REQUIRE OWNERS OF CERTAIN BOATS AND NONMOTORIZED FLOATING STRUCTURES ANCHORED IN THIS STATE TO MAINTAIN LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THEIR BOATS AND STRUCTURES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Summary
H3846 would add a new section to South Carolina law requiring liability insurance for certain boats and nonmotorized floating structures that remain anchored in state waters for more than 30 days. Covered boat owners would need at least $100,000 in liability coverage and would have to provide a recent survey from a licensed boat surveyor showing the vessel is seaworthy and, for sailboats and powerboats, capable of operating as intended. The bill also requires insurers to issue identifying watercraft stickers when policies are issued or renewed, and to require a new survey every three years before renewal on the fourth year.
The same insurance and survey requirements would apply to nonmotorized floating structures anchored in the state or attached to an anchored boat for more than 30 days, with the same minimum coverage and sticker requirements. The bill creates a misdemeanor penalty for violations, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, and it would take effect upon approval by the Governor.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a new insurance mandate in Title 50 governing long-term anchored boats and floating structures in South Carolina waters. It would impose compliance obligations on owners, insurers, and surveyors, including proof of seaworthiness, periodic re-surveys, and sticker display requirements tied to policy issuance and renewal. The measure would also add criminal penalties for noncompliance, expanding enforcement beyond civil or administrative remedies.
Sentiment
Based on the available record, there is no committee transcript or vote history showing debate or formal opposition, so the bill’s sentiment cannot be measured from legislative discussion. The caption and text suggest a regulatory and safety-oriented approach, likely intended to address risks associated with long-term anchored vessels and floating structures. However, without recorded debate or votes, there is no documented consensus or controversy in the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the scope and cost of the mandate. Owners of boats and floating structures may object to the requirement to obtain and maintain $100,000 in liability coverage, pay for licensed surveys, and comply with recurring renewal and sticker rules. Insurers and regulators may also need to address how seaworthiness is assessed, how the sticker system would be administered, and whether the criminal penalty is proportionate. The bill’s application to nonmotorized floating structures and to vessels anchored for more than 30 days could also raise questions about enforcement and definitions.
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