What are the current regulations for open containers on the boat? Im taking friends and family and not going to be “drinking” but do no want to embarrass myself if I get an open container ticket for one or two coors lights. I know from being out last year, we got pulled over twice in a span of 3 hours. Im a regular fisherman and know the waters well- but wondering if any laws have been changed recently.
Thanks,
I believe you are fine with an open container but, keep in mind, an open container is an open invitation to get stopped and checked. Not that DNR or other LE on the water needs an invitation but, put yourself in an officer’s place. You see an open container, vs a guy empty-handed, who are you more tempted to “check”? Not saying it is fair, just human nature. Be responsible, be safe and watch out for the yahoos that do over-indulge.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Thanks DF. I hate going out on the fourth but the wife loves it. If she lets me fish when I want then im subject to captaining whenever she says so.
21’ triumph cc
150 merc
No problem. My wife is pining to come down and go crabbing but it won’t be on the 4th. Hoping for Fri/Sat. Have fun and be safe.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Open container in the boat is OK, but the law did recently change in SC and Georgia from .10 to .08, same as driving a car. If they see a container, or smell alcohol, you will be blowing on the bag this weekend 
Expect them to be out in full force. Personally, I don’t go boating on Labor Day, Independence Day or Memorial Day, unless I’m getting paid to do it 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Yea Ill be no where near any water. Those are all days its best to avoid. I think it was two or three that died memorial day just in the TR
Thanks again for the responses.
One more thing, is there a checkpoint I can go to near the cooper/wando to get a saftey check before we go out? I remember hearing about this from years past.
21’ triumph cc
150 merc
I saw on the news this morning where they were having safety check points at most of the major boat ramps over the holiday weekend. Not sure about Charleston, but the Lemon Island ramp near Beaufort always has a big DNR tent set up on holidays. I think the safety check is voluntarily mandatory
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
They are usually at most of the busier ramps in Charleston. And yes they are voluntarily mandatory. If you have the inspection sticker and the proper number of people or less on your boat and are not operating like a drunken moron, the LEO will generally leave you alone. Not guaranteed but i’ve never been pulled after receiving my inspection sticker.
If you choose to forgo the voluntary inspection at the ramp, expect to perform the inspection numerous times that day anyway while on the water.
quote:
Originally posted by Bolbie…the harbor was slick as an eel pecker.