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$34.95

90 Day Course Access

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  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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$34.95

Lifetime Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Live In-Course Chat Support
  • Phone Support
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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OTHER PROVIDER 2

$29.95

90 Day Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries

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90 Day Course Access

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BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8098 ratings and reviews.
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Buy More, Save More

Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official South Carolina Boater Education Card.

Buy For One

1 Boater

Per Boater

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“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”

– Jesse L, Charleston, SC

BOATsmart! courseware on a tablet.

Watch, Listen & Learn

From anywhere, on any device at any time.

Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.

BOATsmart! multiple choice practice test

Pass the official test

Take the South Carolina Boater Education Card Test online

Take the official South Carolina Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.

South Carolina Boater Education Card

Get Your Official Boater Education Card

Print your Temporary Card immediately

Print your Temporary Card immediately after passing the final test. BOATsmart! will mail your permanent card within 4 weeks. 

Boating In South Carolina

LOST OR DAMAGED BOATER CARD?

Official South Carolina Boater Education Card Replacements

Lost? Damaged? Need some back-ups? Don’t sweat it! If you need to replace your South Carolina Boater Education Card or want back-up copies for the tackle box, cabin or boat we’ve got you covered.

 

South Carolina Boater Education Card

ONE CARD

$12.95

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

Lost South Carolina Boater Education Card 3 Pack Bundle

3 CARD BUNDLE

$7.51 EACH

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

YOU’RE IN THE
CAPTAIN’S SEAT

The BOATsmart! course on a laptop The BOATsmart! course on a laptop

FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST

Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the South Carolina boating safety practice test now.

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South Carolina Boater Education Card

SOUTH CAROLINA BOATER EDUCATION CARD
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a South Carolina Boater Education Card?

The South Carolina boater education card is proof that a boater has successfully passed the South Carolina Boating Safety Test. Boat operators who are less than 16 years of age are required to get certified if they wish to operate a boat of 15 hp or more, and are not supervised by an adult. 

Is the South Carolina Boater Education Card the same as a Boating License?

The South Carolina Boater Education Card is proof of successful completion of the South Carolina state-approved boater education course. The card is commonly referred to as a “boating license” However, unlike a license the Boater Education Card does not expire, and does not need to be renewed. 

Who needs a South Carolina Boater Education Card?

Boat operators who are less than 16 years of age are required to obtain a Boater Education Card in order to legally operate a boat powered by a motor of 15 hp or more within the state, unless they are supervised by an adult who is at least 18 years of age. 

Who is exempt from having to obtain a South Carolina Boater Education Card?

  • Boat operators who are 16 years of age or older
  • Boat operators who are less than 16 years of age who are being supervised by an adult 18 years of age or older

What is the penalty for not having a card?

Boaters caught without a Boater Education Card may be subject to a fine and other penalties.

How do I get a South Carolina Boater Education Card?

You can obtain your official Boater Education Card from BOATsmart! in three steps:

  1. Take the BOATsmart! South Carolina Boating Safety Course online. 
  2. Pass the South Carolina Boating Safety Test online.
  3. Print a Temporary Card immediately.

How do I prepare for the South Carolina Boater Safety Test?

Boaters can prepare for the official South Carolina Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated and illustrated lessons designed for all ages. The 3-hour South Carolina Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement and is recognized by the US Coast Guard. The BOATsmart! South Carolina Boating Safety Course includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your South Carolina Boater Education Card.

Will my South Carolina Boater Education Card ever expire?

No. Your South Carolina Boater Education Card is good for life. However, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the most recent boating safety regulations. Be sure to take advantage of BOATsmart!’s free refresher lessons to be sure you’re aware of the rules that apply if your state.

How do I replace my South Carolina Boater Education Card?

You can easily purchase a replacement South Carolina Boater Education Cards from BOATsmart!. Call us at 1-877-655-7778 to order, or login to your BOATsmart! Account to order online. 

Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in South Carolina?

No. The state of South Carolina does not require boaters to have a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, if you are under 16 years of age you are required to get certified to legally operate a boat with a motor of 15 hp or more, unless you are directly supervised by an adult. 

Do I need a Boater Education Card for all types of boats?

Depending on your age, the South Carolina Boater Education Card is required to operate boats that are powered by a motor of 15 hp or more.

How long does the South Carolina Boater Education Card take?

The state of South Carolina requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of your BOATsmart! South Carolina Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access.

Is my South Carolina Boater Card valid in other states?

Yes. The South Carolina Boater Education Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.

Who is BOATsmart!?

BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award-winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement, to deliver the official South Carolina Boater Education Card Course and Boating Safety Test.

 

State of South Caroline Department of Natural Resources Badge

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement

1000 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/law.html

Trusted from coast-to-coast, South Carolina approved

The official BOATsmart! South Carolina Boating Safety Course is approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.

BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.

NASBLA logo.
US Coast Guard logo.