According to an article in last weeks News and Courier the number of boats per capita has increasing at a rate of almost 10% over the last couple of years. At last years boat show I spoke with one of Charleston’s most prominent dealers and they relayed to me that they were putting over 300 new boats in the water per year, and of those more than 50-percent of those were first time boat owners.
Crowded waterways, packed boat ramps and bustling marinas are becoming the norm here in the lowcountry. For those unaware this weekend is the Annual Rockville Regatta Weekend therefore many of our waterways will become saturated. Not only is regatta weekend by far one of the busiest days on the water for boaters; but it is also extremely busy for law enforcement. Every year Coast Guard, Sheriff’s Department, and Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officials write hundreds of tickets over the first weekend in August. The reason for all the tickets: these guys are simply doing their job. It seems that almost every year there are serious boat related injuries over the weekend and law enforcement officials are out not to harass the boaters, but to keep all of us safe.
If you are planning on boating this weekend or any time through out the year here is a listing of some of the most common violations as well as some suggestions to ensure that you are safe and stay on the proper side of the law.
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Negligent operation – this is by far one of the most popular tickets. While many violations may fall into this category the most common are all linked around your vessels speed. Remember if you are within 50-feet of another boat, whether it is moored or moving, or within 50-feet of a dock you are required to reduce your speed to an idle when approaching and passing. No wake zones must be properly observed and remember you are responsible for your wake at all times. Simply be aware of your surrounding and how your actions may affect others.
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Boating under the influence - South Carolina Law is the same on the w