Alabama Boating Regulations and Laws

The Alabama boater safety certification (commonly known as the Alabama boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety certification course.

The Roberson/Archer Act of 1994 requires that every person who operates a motorized vessel (including PWCs) on the waters of Alabama must first obtain an Alabama boater safety certification.

If you are under 12 years of age: You may not obtain your Alabama boater safety certification, and you may not operate a vessel under any circumstances. If you are 12 or 13 years of age: You may obtain your Alabama boater safety certification. After obtaining the certification, you may operate a vessel legally only if supervised on board by a person who is at least 21 years of age and ... carries a valid proof of his or her Alabama boater safety certification and ... is in position to take immediate physical control of the vessel. If you are 14 years of age or older: After obtaining Alabama boater safety certification, you may operate a vessel without supervision legally.

Even if not required by law to get the Alabama boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in Alabama a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Alabama course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Alabama?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

• Internet: You can study over the Internet then take the Alabama online boating exam. Once you pass, the official course Certificate of Completion issued by the Alabama Marine Police is mailed to your home.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Boat Alabama online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. All the required safe boating course material to get your boater safety certification is available for free online. Please visit our Alabama safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Alabama boater education certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Alabama boater's license;
• Contact the Alabama Marine Police;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Alabama boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs an Alabama boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater safety certification?

Alabama's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.