It's the Law: On the Water

In addition to the laws mentioned previously, here are some other Alabama regulations that apply when vessel operators are on the water.

Unlawful and Dangerous Operation

Alabama law designates certain dangerous operating practices as illegal. Examples of illegal and dangerous operation follow.

• Reckless Operation of a vessel, or reckless manipulation of water skis or similar devices, is the failure to exercise the care necessary to protect the life, safety, or property of others. Some examples of reckless operation are:
  • Operating in violation of the navigation rules
  • Jumping the wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to that vessel, or encircling or buzzing another vessel or person in the water
  • Operating within 100 feet of a diver-down flag
  • Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic or swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid a collision
• Careless Operation of a vessel is operating in a negligent, careless, or inattentive manner that endangers the life, safety, or property of others. Some examples of careless operation are:
  • Operating a vessel not equipped with the required safety equipment
  • Failure to maintain a proper lookout for other vessels or persons in the water
• Failure to Regulate Speed is operating at speeds greater than that which allows the operator to bring the vessel to a stop within a clear distance ahead, or at speeds which cause danger or inconvenience to others given the existing weather and traffic conditions. A vessel operator must not:
  • Operate at a speed which causes a hazardous wake or wash when approaching another vessel or when entering or leaving a marina or harbor area
  • Operate above a plane speed when persons or gear on board the vessel are such that the operator’s view is obstructed or safe operation is impaired
  • Exceed any posted speed limitations such as “idle speed” or “no wake speed” areas or any other speed zones

“No Wake Speed” means a speed at which your vessel does not produce a wake, or in other words, leaves a flat wave disturbance; not to exceed 5 miles per hour.
“Idle Speed” or “Slow, No Wake” means the slowest speed at which it is possible to maintain steering, not to exceed 5 mph.

• Overloading or Overpowering is loading the vessel with passengers or gear beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate (taking into consideration weather and existing conditions) or powering a vessel beyond the recommended horsepower shown on the capacity plate. It is illegal to operate, or allow others to operate, a vessel without a permanent capacity plate.
• Riding on the Bow, Deck, or Gunwale is allowing passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any other place where there may be a chance of falling overboard.

Keep in mind ... As the owner of a vessel, it is illegal for you to knowingly allow operation of your vessel by others in violation of the laws of Alabama. This includes allowing operation of your vessel by children under the age of 12 years or by others not holding a valid boater certification.