(a) Every person, except those specifically exempted by statutory enactment, within five years from April 28, 1994, shall procure a boater safety certification before operating a motorized vessel upon the waters of this state, as defined in Section 33-5-3. This section shall not apply to any sailboat, rowboat, or canoe. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, an Alabama resident 16 years of age and older, who has not been previously issued a boater safety certification, may for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of sale of the vessel to the person, operate the vessel upon the waters provided the following conditions are met: (1) The vessel has been registered in the name of the person; and (2) a bill of sale for the vessel, indicating that the person is the purchaser and owner of the vessel, is in the possession of the person at all times of operation. In addition, any person while taking test drives of vessels for sale when accompanied by a licensed vessel dealer, shall be exempt during the drive from the certification. Every new resident of the State of Alabama, before operating a motorized vessel, shall procure the certification within 30 days after establishing residence in this state.
(b) Each boater safety certification issued to a person, if issued at the same time the person is issued a valid Alabama motor vehicle driver or learner license, or valid Alabama nondriver identification card, or if issued prior to the expiration date of the driver or learner license or card, shall expire on the expiration date of the person's valid Alabama motor vehicle driver or learner license or card. In all other cases, the expiration date of each boater safety certification shall be four years from the date of issuance.
(c) Every boater safety certification issued under this article may be renewed at the end of the certification period without examination upon application. For the purpose of renewal of a boater safety certification, the Department of Public Safety shall mail renewal notices to each certification holder 30 days after the expiration date if the certification has not been renewed. A grace period of 60 days after the expiration date of certification shall exist for the purpose of certification renewal and the certification shall be valid for this time period. The applicant shall apply for renewal of certification any time during a period beginning 30 days before the expiration date of the then current certification until three years after the expiration date of certification. Failure to make application for renewal within the specified time shall result in the applicant being required to take, and successfully pass, a written or oral examination as administered by the Department of Public Safety. If any person's birthday is February 29, the first day of March following shall be regarded as the birthday for the purposes of this section.
(d) Nonresidents at least 12 years of age who have in their immediate possession a valid boater safety certification or vessel operator's certification issued in their home state or country shall be exempt from the requirements of this section, but under no circumstances shall a person be granted any privileges of operation beyond those granted to an Alabama resident certification holder of the same age.
(e) Nonresidents at least 12 years of age whose home state or country does not require boater safety certification or the licensing of vessel operators shall also be exempt from the requirements of this section for a cumulative operation period of not more than 45 days in any calendar year. Otherwise, any nonresidents shall be examined and certified under the same terms and conditions as Alabama residents. Nonresidents may be examined and obtain certification in any county and the certification shall be entitled "Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification," but under no circumstances shall a person be granted any privileges of operation beyond those granted to an Alabama resident certification holder of the same age.
(f) A person operating a vessel pursuant to a valid and legal commercial activity, shall, during the period of time of that activity only, be exempt from the requirement of boater safety certification. Otherwise, the person shall be subject to the requirement.
(g) A person, while using a rental vessel, shall be exempt from the certification requirements of this section if the following conditions are met:
The person rents a vessel from a boat rental business duly licensed by the municipality or the county if the following three conditions are met:
a. The rental contract specifies that the lessee has been instructed in the proper and safe operation of the vessel by the lessor or the authorized agent of the lessor, and
b. The lessor in fact has complied with the terms of rental contract and all parties sign the contract, and
c. The lessee signs a statement that the lessee is not currently under suspension or revocation of any boater safety certification or vessel operation privilege in this state.
Last modified: May 3, 2021