Courtesy watercraft inspections offered Aug. 4-5 by DNR in Lowcountry

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#07–213 August 6, 2007

During the upcoming weekend in Charleston, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources will be offering courtesy watercraft inspections Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4-5, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the following locations:

	John P. Limehouse Landing. County landing. Off County Road 20 (Main Road), Johns Island, on the Stono River.
	Cherry Point Landing. County landing. End of County Road 1767, off State Road 700, Rockville, Wadmalaw Island, on Bohicket Creek.

The courtesy watercraft inspections provide an opportunity for boaters to have their safety equipment and vessels inspected prior to getting out on the water.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Law Enforcement Lt. Chisolm Frampton said: "Boaters should pay special attention with keeping their safety equipment up to date. Boaters should inspect their lifejackets to ensure that they are in good serviceable condition and without tears or holes. The boat operator is responsible for having a proper fitting U.S. Coast Guard type II lifejacket for all passengers on board. It is especially important to check the size and fit of lifejacket for children. Our courtesy boat inspections are a proactive way to give boaters this opportunity before launching their vessels."

Before going out on the water, DNR recommends that boaters file a float plan. Obeying boating rules and regulations will help to avoid problematic situations that may unexpectedly arise while on the water. Additionally, DNR’s Frampton reminds the public that while it is legal to have alcohol on board a watercraft, it is unlawful for the operator to be impaired while driving. Operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol is subject to the penalties of Boating Under the Influence. DNR law enforcement officers will be on the waterways ensuring that boaters are safe and in compliance with all rules and regulations. Officers will also be conducting boating under the influence screenings.

Some important rules for boaters to keep in mind:

	Boat operators are reminded that U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices are required for each person onboard. On boats 16 feet and longer throwable devices, such as flotation cushions, are required in addition to wearable devices. Life jackets must properly fit each individual, whether child or adult, and be serviceable without tears, holes or other damage or wear that would decrease the effectiveness of the device.
	Always have your Personal Floatation Device onboard while boating. Any person younger than 12 years old, in a boat less than 16 feet long, must wear a Personal Flotation Device. Anyone on a personal watercraft, which includes Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners and others, must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation device; they cannot be operated after sunset or before sunrise; and the watercraft must be equipped with self-circling or lanyard-type engine cutoffs.
	Navigation lights must be on between official sunset and sunrise.
	Flares are required for vessels in coastal waters.
	All boats less than 39.4 feet must carry an efficient sound-producing device. All vessels from 39.4 to 65.6 feet must carry a bell and a whistle.
	No vessel may operate in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of an anchored vessel, dock, pier or person in the water, or within 100 yards of the Atlantic Ocean coastline. No watercraft may jump the wake of another vessel within 200 feet of the vessel creating the wake.
	State law requires boating safety training for anyone younger than 16 who wants to operate a boat or personal watercraft with an engine 15-horsepower or greater without being accompanied by an adult. For more information on boater education courses, contact DNR's Boating Education offices at 1-800-277-4301, (803) 734-3995 in Columbia or (843) 953-9302 in Charleston.

The DNR reminds the public of Coast Watch, which was developed to better help citizens report violations of saltwater recreational and commercial fishing laws, as well as marine environmental laws. The Coast Watch hotline number (1-800-922-5431) is toll-free and available 24 hours a day.

DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.

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