The Alabama Boat-ed Handbook

Table of Contents | Introduction | Chapter 1, Boating Basics

Boat-ed Gives You Two Ways to Get Your Alabama Vessel License

Online Boater Exam

Study the online material and take the official Alabama boating license Certification Exam. Pay $29.50—one time only, after you pass.

After passing the online 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” class 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.

In-Person Exam

If you choose to obtain your Alabama boater safety certification by taking the exam given by the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Division, you should:

Study this online certificaiton manual to prepare for the exam. You can also print it out in PDF format.
Go to the Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Examining Office in your county of residence to take the exam. You will be required to present personal identification.
Upon passing, apply for your Alabama boater safety certification. You will have the “V” class 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.

Cover of Boat Alabama Certification Manual

Message to Alabama Boaters

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 by their families led to the passage of the Act, which has been widely acclaimed as a national model for boating safety law.

This manual is designed to assist you in attaining two primary objectives: (1) to help you qualify for Alabama boat operator’s certification and (2) to help you become a better informed and safer operator. The information contained in this manual is not intended to be an official legal reference for all boating laws and regulations. It is intended to explain in common language those laws, regulations, and boating practices you will need most often. In addition, the procedure for obtaining your boat operator’s certification is discussed.

Alabama Marine Police officers patrol our waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them while operating your boat by following the suggestions outlined in this manual as well as the rules of common courtesy.