S.C. Code § 136-075 - Pilotage Areas

A. The Federal Boundary lines defined in 46 CFR 7.65, 46 CFR 7.70 and 46 CFR 7.75 describe the areas of the coastal waters along the coast of South Carolina that delineate the application of federal vessel manning and licensure requirements. State pilotage laws and regulations shall extend at least to the Boundary Lines established in Federal Regulation.

B. The Commissioners of Pilotage for the Lower Coastal Area shall extend the applicability of pilotage laws, regulations, and policy seaward of the federal Boundary Lines whenever necessary to:

(1) Assure that every foreign flag vessel or US vessel under register, while transiting offshore waters that otherwise may present the risk of grounding in the process of calling at every South Carolina port, is conducted and piloted by a pilot licensed by the Commissioners of Pilotage for the Lower Coastal Area.

(2) Assure that every foreign flag vessel or US vessel under register calling at offshore moorings located within offshore waters under the jurisdiction of the State of South Carolina is conducted and piloted by a pilot licensed by the Commissioners of Pilotage for the Lower Coastal Area.

C. The pilot station for the pilot vessels cruising off shore shall be in the approximate vicinity of the designated sea buoy or on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or up to two nautical miles seaward of the area where piloted vessels are restricted by draft and safe underkeel clearances, whichever is greater.

Notes

S.C. Code § 136-075

Added by State Register Volume 21, Issue No. 2, eff February 28, 1997. Amended by State Register Volume 32, Issue No. 5, eff May 23, 2008; State Register Volume 49, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/23/2025.