For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDON or ABANDONED. Any watercraft that has been moored, stranded, wrecked, sinking or sunk, and has been left unattended for longer than 45 days. A watercraft is not abandoned if it is legally moored or is on private property.
BOAT. A vessel.
DEPARTMENT. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
FLOATING STRUCTURE. A man-made object other than a watercraft that is capable of flotation and that is not authorized by a permit issued by an agency of the state.
LEGALLY MOORED. Any watercraft or floating structure that is not abandoned and has been moored pursuant to this chapter.
MARINA. A facility that provides mooring or dry storage for watercraft.
OUTBOARD MOTOR. A combustion engine or electric propulsion system that is used to propel a watercraft, and is detachable from the watercraft as a unit. No outboard motor of less than five horsepower or its equivalent is required to be titled under this chapter.
OWNER. A person, other than a lienholder, who claims lawful possession of a vessel or outboard motor by virtue of legal title or equitable interest in it that entitles him or her to possession.
PERSON. An individual, a partnership, a firm, a corporation, an association or other legal entity.
TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF NUMBER. A temporary registration assigned to a vessel to allow operation for a limited purpose.
TOWN. The Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
UNATTENDED. As it pertains to watercraft, means there are no observable change in circumstances or evidence of being looked after or maintained in any way, and no substantial change in location.
USE. Operate, navigate or employ.
VESSEL. Every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane regulated by the federal government, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
WATERS OF THE TOWN. Waters within the territorial limits of the town, but not on private lakes or ponds.
WATERS OF THE STATE. Waters within the territorial limits of the state, but not private lakes or ponds.
WATERCRAFT. Anything used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water, but does not include: a seaplane regulated by the federal government; water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, windsurfers, tubes, rafts and similar devices; or anything that does not meet construction or operational requirements of the state or federal government for watercraft.
(Ord. 08068, passed 2-10-09; Am. Ord. 24013, passed 4-10-24)