Question 1

Alabama Boating Age Restrictions

Accepted Answer

Alabama has set minimum operator age restrictions for certain types of watercraft. The minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or a boat with more than 15 hp is 14.

Question 2

Alabama Boating License Requirements

Accepted Answer

Anyone aged 12 and older who operates a motorized vessel on Alabama's waters must have an Alabama Vessel License.

Question 3

Alabama Boat Registration

Accepted Answer

All motorized vessels and sailboats over 14 feet in length must be registered in Alabama.

Question 4

Life Jackets

Accepted Answer

Every boat must carry one wearable life jacket for each person on board, which fits appropriately and is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

Question 5

Throwable Flotation Devices

Accepted Answer

Boats 16 feet or longer must also have at least one throwable flotation device on board.

Question 6

Fire Extinguishers

Accepted Answer

All motorized vessels, except outboards, are required to carry fire extinguishers while on the water.

Question 7

Navigation Lights

Accepted Answer

These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.

Question 8

Sound Producing Devices

Accepted Answer

Motorized vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length are required to carry a whistle or a horn capable of producing a two-second blast audible for half a mile.

Question 9

Visual Distress Signals

Accepted Answer

On coastal waters, vessels must carry visual distress signals approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Question 10

Alabama BUI Laws

Accepted Answer

Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Alabama.

Question 11

Docking Lights

Accepted Answer

Using docking lights while underway is illegal, except when docking.

Question 12

Muffler and Noise Level Limits

Accepted Answer

The use of cutouts is forbidden for all vessels, and every vessel must have an effective muffler.

Question 13

PWC Operation Regulations

Accepted Answer

Must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner. Reckless operation of a PWC is illegal.

Question 14

Diver-Down Flag

Accepted Answer

This flag should be displayed whenever divers are in the water.

Question 15

Alabama Specific Distress Signals

Accepted Answer

The state of Alabama has additional visual distress signal requirements for its state waters.

Question 16

Alabama PFD Laws for Children

Accepted Answer

In Alabama, children under the age of 8 must wear a personal flotation device at all times when aboard a vessel.

Question 17

Alabama Speed Limits

Accepted Answer

There are no set speed limits on Alabama waters, but boaters must operate their vessel so as not to endanger others.

Question 18

Boat Registration Number and Decal Placement

Accepted Answer

Numbers should be placed on both sides of the bow, read left to right, and be in block letters of good proportion.

Question 19

Alabama Boat Titling

Accepted Answer

All motorized boats and sailboats 14 feet and over require a title in Alabama.

Question 20

Reporting Boating Accidents

Accepted Answer

In Alabama, you must report a boating accident to the Marine Patrol Division if it results in loss of life, injury, or property damage exceeding $2000.

Question 21

Marine Sanitation Devices

Accepted Answer

All vessels with an installed toilet must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Marine Sanitation Device.

Question 22

Alabama Personal Watercraft (PWC) Age Restrictions

Accepted Answer

In Alabama, an individual must be at least 14 years old to operate a PWC.

Question 23

Alabama Boating Education

Accepted Answer

Alabama requires all operators of motorized vessels and PWCs who are 14 years of age or older to obtain a boating license.

Question 24

Boating in Restricted Areas

Accepted Answer

It's unlawful to operate any boat within a marked restricted area established by regulatory markers.

Question 25

Alabama Boat Insurance

Accepted Answer

While Alabama does not require boating insurance, it is highly recommended.

Question 26

Alabama Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Penalties

Accepted Answer

Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and loss of boating and/or driving privileges.

Question 27

Alabama Boat Capacity

Accepted Answer

Boat capacity is determined by the boat manufacturer and is displayed on the boat's capacity plate. It's illegal to exceed this capacity while on the water.

Question 28

Towing Skiers

Accepted Answer

In Alabama, boats towing skiers must have an observer on board in addition to the driver.

Question 29

Anchoring Lights

Accepted Answer

Boats at anchor must display anchor lights from sunset to sunrise in all weather conditions.

Question 30

Alabama Live Bait Laws

Accepted Answer

In Alabama, it is illegal to use or possess any fish as bait that was taken from waters under the jurisdiction of another state.

Question 31

Alabama Aquatic Nuisance Species Laws

Accepted Answer

It's illegal to transport aquatic invasive species, and boaters are required to clean, drain, and dry their equipment.

Question 32

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Accepted Answer

Boats with enclosed accommodation compartments are recommended to have CO detectors.

Question 33

Alabama Float Plan

Accepted Answer

It's recommended to leave a float plan with a reliable person who can notify authorities in case you don't return as scheduled.

Question 34

Marine Radio Usage

Accepted Answer

It's recommended for all boats to carry a VHF marine radio for communication and emergency situations.

Question 35

Alabama Mandatory Boater Education

Accepted Answer

Alabama requires anyone who operates a motorized boat to have completed a state-approved boater education course if born after April 28, 1954.

Question 36

Alabama Cold Water Shock

Accepted Answer

Cold water shock is a leading cause of boating fatalities, and it's crucial to wear life jackets, especially when the water temperature is below 60°F.

Question 37

Alabama Hypothermia Prevention

Accepted Answer

Hypothermia can be prevented by wearing appropriate clothing and PFDs, staying dry, avoiding alcohol, and being aware of weather conditions.

Question 38

Alabama Low-head Dam Safety

Accepted Answer

Low-head dams are extremely dangerous due to recirculating currents that can trap boats and people against the dam.

Question 39

Alabama Safe Fueling

Accepted Answer

To prevent fires, turn off the engine and all electrical equipment, don't smoke, and close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings.

Question 40

Alabama Boat Trailering

Accepted Answer

Properly secure your boat, check the lights, brakes, and tires on the trailer, and ensure the load is balanced before hitting the road.

Question 41

Alabama No-wake Zones

Accepted Answer

In Alabama, boaters must slow to idle speed within 100 feet of a dock, pier, bridge, or person in the water.

Question 42

Boating in Alabama State Parks

Accepted Answer

Alabama state parks often have additional regulations for boating. Always check local regulations before boating in a state park.

Question 43

Alabama Clean Boating Habits

Accepted Answer

To protect Alabama's waters, don't throw trash overboard, minimize boat cleaning and maintenance in the water, and use pumpout stations for sewage.

Question 44

Alabama Float Tubes

Accepted Answer

In Alabama, float tubes are considered watercraft and are subject to boating laws and regulations.

Question 45

Alabama Boating in Commercial Traffic

Accepted Answer

Always stay out of the way of large commercial vessels, which often have restricted ability to maneuver.

Question 46

Alabama Boating in Restricted Visibility

Accepted Answer

In fog, rain, or darkness, slow down, make sound signals, and use radar if available.

Question 47

Paddlecraft Lighting

Accepted Answer

Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards must have a flashlight or lantern to prevent a collision between sunset and sunrise.

Question 48

Alabama's "Move Over" Law

Accepted Answer

When approaching a law enforcement or rescue vessel with lights flashing, boaters must move to the farthest lane from the stopped vessel and slow to a reasonable speed.

Advanced Alabama Boating License Flashcards