Charleston Boat Mart

South Carolina law does not set a numeric minimum age to operate a rented motorboat or personal watercraft. Under S.C. Code Section 50-21-95, a person born after July 1, 2007, must meet one of the law's qualifications before operating a vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. For a rental, a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the operator's name qualifies. SCDNR says the rental certificate is valid for 30 days. The rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

Yes, some recreational operators need a South Carolina boating safety certificate rather than a traditional boating license. Anyone born after July 1, 2007 must have one before operating a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. The rule states no separate minimum operator age; an uncertified person may operate when accompanied by a qualified adult at least 18.

Exemptions include people born on or before the cutoff, nonresidents with another state's equivalent certificate, and holders of qualifying Coast Guard credentials. Renters may use an SCDNR approved rental safety certificate, valid for 30 days and only on rented craft. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

From Mount Pleasant, you can boat Shem Creek, the Wando River, Charleston Harbor and the Intracoastal Waterway behind Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Shem Creek is a marked, dredged creek route into the lower harbor. The Wando joins the Cooper near Drum Island and offers a marked river channel; public put-ins include Remley’s Point and Paradise, where the water can be shallow at low tide. Charleston Harbor is open water shared with oceangoing ships. For a more sheltered ride, the Intracoastal Waterway threads through marshes behind the islands and provides protection from offshore wind and waves.

Source: Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (ccprc.com)

Boaters leaving Mt Pleasant can plan day trips to Capers Island, Morris Island, Bulls Island and downtown Charleston. Capers Island offers a natural barrier island beach and Boneyard Beach, while Morris Island is a beach stop with water views of its historic lighthouse. Bulls Island, reached by private boat or ferry, is a day use refuge destination for hiking, wildlife watching and visiting Boneyard Beach. For an urban stop, the Charleston Maritime Center offers downtown dockage within walking distance of the historic district, market, King Street and Waterfront Park.

Source: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (discoversouthcarolina.com)