S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-710 – Placing of aids to navigation and regulatory markers; certain conduct prima facie evidence of negligence; prohibited acts | Midpage
§ 50-21-710
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-710
Placing of aids to navigation and regulatory markers; certain conduct prima facie evidence of negligence; prohibited acts
(1) "Aids to navigation" means any device designed or intended to assist a navigator to determine his position or safe course or to warn him of danger or obstructions to navigation.
(2) "Regulatory markers" means any device which indicates to a vessel operator the existence of dangerous areas as well as those which are intended to restrict or control, such as speed zones and areas dedicated to a particular use or to provide general information and directions. This includes bathing markers, speed zone markers, information markers, danger zone markers, boat keep out areas, mooring buoys, wharves, docks, obstructions or hazards to navigation and any activity, object, or construction in the waters of the State.
(B) The department may make rules for the uniform marking of the water areas in this State through the placement of aids to navigation and regulatory markers. Such rules shall establish a marking system compatible with the system of aids to navigation prescribed by the United States Coast Guard. No city, county, or person shall mark or obstruct the waters of this State in any manner so as to endanger the operation of watercraft or conflict with the marking system prescribed by the department.
(C) The operation of any vessel within a prohibited area is negligent operation unless the seriousness of the operation within a prohibited area constitutes reckless operation.
(D) It shall be unlawful for a person to operate a vessel on the waters of this State in a manner other than that prescribed or permitted by regulatory markers.
(E) No person shall moor or fasten a vessel to or wilfully damage, tamper, remove, obstruct, or interfere with any aid to navigation or regulatory marker established pursuant to this chapter.
(F) A person who violates a provision or regulation promulgated pursuant to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished as provided in Section 50-21-150(2).