The Boat Depot

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 Myrtle Beach, you can boat the Intracoastal Waterway, Waccamaw River, Little River Inlet and Murrells Inlet. For an inland run, launch onto the ICW at Enterprise Landing, Socastee Landing or Peter Vaught Sr. Landing; NOAA describes the local route as a long land cut linking Little River with Socastee Creek and the Waccamaw. Peachtree Landing puts you on the slow moving Waccamaw, with sandy banks and broad marshes. Near Little River, T. Craig Campbell or Johnny Causey Landing gives ICW access toward the inlet and open Atlantic, but NOAA says the bar channel shifts and advises extreme caution. Murrells Inlet offers tidal marsh boating through Main Creek and Oaks Creek, with launching ramps at Main Creek facilities.

Source: Horry County Parks and Recreation (horrycountysc.gov)

From Myrtle Beach, boaters can make day trips to Bird Island Reserve, Sandy Island Preserve and Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge. At Bird Island, watercraft may land on the sandy shoreline inside Little River Inlet, giving visitors access to an undeveloped barrier island.

Sandy Island is reached only by boat and draws visitors for its public access points, hiking trails, fishing, picnicking and wildlife watching. Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge offers a quieter river outing through cypress trees and blackwater wetlands, with fishing, paddling, photography and birding from the water.

Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (deq.nc.gov)