A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-23-37 so as to require owners of certain boats anchored in the waters of this state to maintain marine recovery insurance on their boats, and to provide penalties for violations.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  Article 1, Chapter 23, Title 50 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 50-23-37. (A) An owner of a boat that is anchored in the waters of this State more than fourteen days must maintain marine recovery insurance on the boat.

    (B) To obtain marine recovery insurance, the boat owner must provide the insurer a recent vessel survey that includes a declaration that the boat is seaworthy and that the boat can move under its own power as intended when built. Sailboats must have working sails and powerboats must have a working motor. The survey must have been completed within six months of the policy being issued and completed by a licensed boat surveyor. All policy premiums must be current before a policy can be renewed and new stickers sent to the boat owner. The insurer shall issue two 3 ½ x 3 ½ inch watercraft stickers to the boat owner each time a policy is issued or renewed. The stickers must have the year in one inch font and the insurance company, policy number, and boat registration number on the sticker and be displayed on the boat. The insurer shall require a new survey from the vessel owner after each three-year period before renewing the policy on year four.

    (C) A person who violates this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than thirty days and fined not more than five hundred dollars.

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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