South Carolina Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for South Carolina boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
All boaters under 16 years old must have a Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft of 15 horsepower or more without adult supervision.
Available courses
South Carolina courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Boat-Ed Rental
- BoatSmart!
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Boat-Ed Rental | BoatSmart! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $39.95 | $39.95 | $7.99 + $2.00 state fee | $39.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English; Spanish | English; Spanish | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | 2 Units + Practice Exam | 6 Modules |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Untimed | Online & Timed |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | No quizzes. Final exam: 25 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 70% to pass. Redo module if failed. Final exam: 50 questions, 2 hours, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No | 16 years old for 15+ horsepower |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, eye color, hair color, and ethnicity | Gender and ethnicity | Gender and ethnicity | Gender |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Temporary certificate is valid for 30 days. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | Log in and print within 30 days | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the South Carolina course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Eye color
- Hair color
- Ethnicity
Course expiration and extensions
Boaterexam, Boat-Ed, and Boat-Ed Rental expire after 90 days.
BoatSmart! does not expire.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
Boat-Ed Rental and BoatSmart! do not offer extensions.
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed Rental: There are no quizzes. The final exam includes 25 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 10 questions and have a 24-minute time limit. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. If a quiz is failed, the student must redo the module. The final exam includes 50 questions and has a 2-hour time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a South Carolina course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
For Boaterexam, Boat-Ed, and BoatSmart!, the physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
For the Boat-Ed Rental course, students can print their temporary certificate, which is valid for 30 days.
Age and operator requirements
Persons 16 years old or older may operate any boat or personal watercraft without restrictions.
Persons younger than 16 years old may operate a boat or personal watercraft powered by less than 15 horsepower without restrictions.
Persons younger than 16 years old may operate a boat or personal watercraft powered by 15 horsepower or more only if they:
- Are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old who is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Have passed a boating safety course approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com for students who completed the full course with us.
Rental course students may log in and print their temporary certificate within 30 days.
Replacement card website: