Alabama Boat Safety Course
CHAPTER 9: Boating Education Practices
9.1 IN ALABAMA
In 1994, The Boating Safety Reform Act was passed, requiring, mandatory licensing for anyone, 12 years old or older, who operated a motorized vessel on Alabama's public waters. Then, on January 1, 2002, The Boating Safety Enhancement Act of 2001 became effective. While this Act did not change the license requirements, it did alter the minimum age to operate alone.
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License Requirements: Anyone 12 years old or older who operates a motorized vessel in the State of Alabama must have an operator's license. Non-residents have a 45-day grace period, per calendar year, before having to obtain an operator's license.
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Legal Age: The legal age to operate alone is 14 years old.
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Alabama Residents:
An Alabama resident who is 12 years old but less than 14 years old may operate a vessel only after obtaining an operator's license and must have a person 21 years old or older with a valid operator's license on board and in a position to take immediate physical control of the vessel if necessary.
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Non-Residents:
A non-resident 12 years old but less than 14 years old who has not obtained an operator's license, or who has an operator license from his or her home state may not operate a vessel unless there is a person 21 years old or older with a valid operator's license (unless a non-resident) on board and in a position to take immediate physical control of the vessel if necessary.
Non-residents 14 years old or older may operate alone in Alabama under the 45 day grace period.
The operator's certification appears on the driver's license as a class and will automatically renew each time the license is renewed, unless the certification is revoked. If you are not a licensed driver, you may get a "vessel only" license. If you live out of state but boat over 45 days per year in Alabama, you will need to get a non-resident boat operator's license.
Alabama Boat Safety Course