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Welcome to the waterways of Alabama. There is excitement and challenge and the Marine Police Division hopes that this course will help you and your family become more knowledgeable boat operators.
The Roberson/Archer Act passed by the Alabama Legislature in 1994 requires boater certification for all operators of motorized vessels. The Act was named in memory of three Alabama children-Lauren Archer, age 4, and Katey and Ashleigh Roberson, ages 5 and 9, who were tragically killed in boating accidents in 1993. Their deaths and a crusade led by their families led to the passage of the Act, which has been widely acclaimed as a national model boating safety law.
This course is designed to assist you in attaining two primary objectives: (1) to help you qualify for an Alabama boat operator's certification and (2) to help you become a better informed and safer operator. After passing the exam, you will be mailed a course certificate from the Alabama Marine Police. Take this certificate and personal identification to the Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Examining Office in your county of residence to have the “V” endorsement placed on your automobile driver’s license. Or, if you do not have an automobile driver's license, you will be issued a “Vessel Only” license.
Alabama Marine Police Officers patrol our waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the suggestions outlined in this course as well as the rules of common courtesy while operating your boat.
Good luck and welcome aboard!
M. N. Pugh, Director
Alabama Marine Police Division
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
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