Alabama Boating Safety Course

Updated Alabama Online Boating Safety Course and Exam Now Available

This Alabama state-approved online boating course has been updated and improved and is now at a new location.

Important The older course presented below is no longer available. Take the new Alabama boating license course.

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alabama Required Equipment Checklist

Checkmark: required indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment PWC Boat Less than 16 Feet Boat 16 Feet to Less Than 26 Feet
Alabama Boat Operator License On Board Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Certificate of Number On Board Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Validation Decals Displayed Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
PFDs: Type I, II, III, or V (one per person) Checkmark: required1 Checkmark: required2 Checkmark: required2
1) Those riding on personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket). 2) Those under 8 years of age must wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket), except when within an enclosed cabin.
PFD: Type IV n/a n/a Checkmark: required
Ignition Safety Switch Checkmark: required3 Checkmark: required4 Checkmark: required4
3) PWCs must either be equipped with an ignition safety switch or have a self-circling feature. If equipped with an ignition safety switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator. 4) Vessels less than 24 feet in length, with an open cockpit and powered by more than 50 horsepower, must be equipped with an ignition safety switch with the lanyard attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Backfire Flame Arrestor Checkmark: required Required on inboard and stern drives only. Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Muffler Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Horn, Whistle, or Bell Required only when boating on federally controlled waters. Required only when boating on federally controlled waters. Checkmark: required
Daytime Visual Distress Signals n/a n/a Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals It is strongly recommended that PWCs are not operated after dark. However, if one is operated at night, it has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as powered vessels less than 16 feet in length. Required only when boating on federally controlled waters. Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.
Navigation Lights It is strongly recommended that PWCs are not operated after dark. However, if one is operated at night, it has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as powered vessels less than 16 feet in length. Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
 
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