Free Book on Boating Laws in South Carolina

What Is in Our Free Book on Boating Laws in South Carolina?

Whether you own a boat, rent one for the weekend, or were hurt in an accident on the water, South Carolina boating law can be confusing. What equipment do you need, what are the speed and towing rules, and what happens if you are charged with boating under the influence? Where can you find clear answers without paying for them?

Quick Answer: You can download our free book, Boating Laws in South Carolina – Piecing It All Together, written by Charleston attorneys Stephan Futeral and Thomas Nelson. It explains boat titling and registration, required equipment and lighting, speed and towing rules, boating under the influence, boating accidents, and what to expect in court. The book is available as a PDF for any device or on Apple Books, at no cost and with no sign-up required.

Who Wrote Boating Laws in South Carolina, and Why?

Stephan Futeral’s and Thomas Nelson’s eBook, “Boating Laws in South Carolina – Piecing It All Together” is available for FREE on Apple Books or as a PDF. They wrote this book based on over 55 years of combined experience helping boaters in South Carolina with boating law violations and injury claims on the water. Our FREE eBook is the only one of its kind in South Carolina. It will guide you and educate you about your legal rights and your legal responsibilities as a boater in South Carolina; it’s a MUST READ.

Stephan and Thomas are the attorneys behind Futeral & Nelson, LLC, a Mount Pleasant law firm that has served clients throughout the Charleston area since 2003. The firm handles criminal defense and personal injury cases, including boating violations and injuries on South Carolina’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

What Topics Does the Book Cover?

The book covers the rules that apply from the moment you register a boat to the day you appear in court. The table below groups its chapters by subject. Click any linked chapter to read a related article on our blog.

Which Format Should You Download: Apple Books or PDF?

The book is available in two formats, and both are free. Choose the one that fits the device you plan to read on.

How Current Is the Information in the Book?

The current edition is Version 1.0, published April 15, 2015. South Carolina boating laws change over time through new legislation, Department of Natural Resources regulations, and court decisions.

No book can account for every recent change or for the specific facts of your situation. Before you make decisions about a boating charge or injury claim, talk with a South Carolina attorney about how the current law applies to you.

Is the Boating Laws in South Carolina Book Really Free?

Yes. Both the PDF and the Apple Books edition are completely free. You do not need to give us your email address or fill out a form to download the book. The Apple Books edition downloads through your Apple account like any other free book.

Does the Book Cover Boating Under the Influence?

Yes. The book explains South Carolina’s boating under the influence law, which makes it illegal to operate a boat or other watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It also covers how these cases are investigated and the penalties that can follow a conviction.

If you have been charged with boating under the influence, our Charleston criminal defense lawyers can review your case.

Can a Book Replace a Lawyer?

No. The book gives you a solid foundation in South Carolina boating law, but it is general information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts, including where an incident happened, the conditions on the water, and the evidence involved.

A lawyer can apply the law to those facts, deal with insurance companies and prosecutors, and protect your rights in court. If you need help, contact our office to discuss your situation.