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South Dakota Regulatory Guide

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GF&P) regulates boating to ensure safety and environmental responsibility. They enforce rules on boat registrations, safety equipment, and speed limits, while also actively promoting responsible boating practices through education. The GF&P's efforts aim to create a secure and sustainable boating environment while preserving South Dakota's diverse aquatic ecosystems. On this page, we navigate you through everything you need to have in place in order to ensure that your boat rental business is compliant with South Dakota's regulations, along with some other important things to keep in mind.

Boxes you need to tick

These are requirements as defined by law:

Age Requirement

No owner of a motorboat which is propelled by a motor of more than six horsepower may allow any person under twelve years of age to operate such a motorboat.

No owner of a motorboat which is propelled by a motor of more than six horsepower may allow any person under twelve years of age to operate such a motorboat unless such person is accompanied by a person of at least eighteen years of age. This section does not apply to personal watercraft.

Record Requirement

The owner of a boat or boats for hire shall keep a record of...

The owner of a boat or boats for hire shall keep a record of the name and address of the person or persons hiring any boat; the identification number thereof; number of persons assigned to said boat; the departure date and time, and the expected time of return. The record shall be preserved for at least six months.

Registration Requirement

No one may operate or give permission to operate a nonmotorized boat over 12 feet in length or a motorboat of any length on South Dakota waters unless a valid registration decal is displayed on each side of the bow of the boat.

Keep in mind when renting out boats

Required

No items found.

Recommended

Renter Insurance
Safety Checklist
License Requirement

Not required

Livery Definition

The information provided is intended to be general and informative, and should not be interpreted as regulatory, legal, or insurance advice. It does not constitute professional advice from a licensed insurance agent and does not establish an attorney-client or insurer-insured relationship. This information should not replace the counsel of a qualified legal, regulatory, or insurance professional. Always consult with a qualified professional for legal, regulatory, or insurance advice pertaining to your specific circumstances.

Boat Rental Accident Reporting

The operator of a boat on public waters shall, in the case of a collision or an accident resulting in damage to a boat or other property to an apparent extent of one thousand dollars or more to any one person's property or two thousand dollars or more in any one accident or resulting in death or injury to a person, immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the collision or accident to the nearest conservation officer or other law enforcement officer.

If an accident does occur, follow these steps:

- Call 911.

- Stop at the scene and assist others who are in trouble if you can do so safely.

- Don’t risk your life or the lives of others to save equipment.

- If a second boat or other property is involved, exchange your name, address and boat number with the other operator or owner.

Rental Boat Accident Reporting Form
Report Accident

Federal Regulation

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) regularly provides updates on recentchanges in regulation and have overviews of specific requirements for boatrental companies

Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boating
Passenger Vessel Charters
Requirements for Uninspected Passenger Vessels
Marine Safety Information Bulletin

Compliance by State

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virgina
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Buoy is your one-stop shop for compliance & insurance

Buoy provides boat rental companies with peace of mind while saving time and money. When using Buoy’s insurance solution, we will help you get fully compliant free of charge.

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