Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2002
For more information:  Dave McCrea, 773-4243

REMEMBER BOAT NUMBERING REQUIREMENTS

PIERRE – Boating enthusiasts are reminded that the U.S. Coast Guard’s boat numbering requirements are enforced in South Dakota, and since most of South Dakota’s waters are frozen, now is a good time to check and make sure their crafts are numbered correctly.

Law Enforcement Specialist Dave McCrea said the requirements are straightforward and are very important for safety, vessel identification and law enforcement.

"Much like license plates for your car or pickup, the system provides accurate and prompt boat identification," McCrea said. "Prompt identification is critical in dealing with enforcement of boating laws, such as reckless operation, boating in swimming zones, boating under the influence, boat accidents and numerous other situations, which require quick and accurate identification. It is not intended to be decorative."

Years ago, a uniform boat numbering system was developed and adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard. The system provided a nationwide plan for consistently numbering boats. Like other states, South Dakota incorporated that system into state law.

The Coast Guard’s boat numbering system includes number placement, size, font and color.

Below are guidelines that must be followed.

• Federal and state law requires that boats licensed in South Dakota must have boat numbers that include the letters "SD" followed by a space, a group of three numbers, a space and two additional letters. 
• The owner must permanently and securely display the numbers on each side of the forward part of the motorboat, so that the numbers are clearly visible and readable at a distance of 100 feet. 
• The numbers displayed must be a plain block design, upper case and measure at least three inches in height. 
• Boat owners should ensure the letters contrast with the color of the vessel and their placement must read from left to right. 
• Annual or three-year license decals must be displayed adjacent to the numbers on motorized vessels or on each side of the forward part of the vessel on non-motorized vessels and must be readily visible. No numbers or letters other than the assigned identification numbers may appear on the forward part of the vessel. 
• An example of proper boat number: (License Decal) SD 123 BC. 

Information on boat-numbering requirements is available at most Game, Fish and Parks offices, their website at www.state.sd.us/gfp/ or by contacting the Department of Game, Fish and Parks in Pierre.

A violation of the boat numbering requirement could result in a citation and fine. Boat licenses and examples of proper boat numbering are available at the county treasurer’s office.

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