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Boating Rules and Regulations

Boating Rules and Regulations

Prohibited Operations:

Boating Under the Influence

No person shall drive or be in actual physical control of a vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or any other marine transportation device while:

Refusal to submit to a field breath test or other approved testing shall result in the same punishment as provided for operators of motor vehicles on the state highways (automatic suspension of vessel license).

Water Traffic "Rules of the Road" in the State of Alabama

Whenever the Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency shall determine that in the interest of public safety it is necessary to restrict the speed of boats or boating activities on, or prohibit the entrance into, certain areas of the waters of this State or otherwise regulate or prohibit the use of boats or water skis (including all devices similar to water skis) in such areas, he shall designate such areas by appropriate signs or buoys. It is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless manner upon the waters of this state. A person is guilty of reckless operation when he operates any vessel or manipulates any waterskis or any other marine transportation device upon the waters of this state in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property at a speed or in a manner to endanger or likely to endanger life, limb, or property or injury of any person. It shall be unlawful to operate a vessel in a careless manner upon the waters of this state. Careless operation is the endangerment of life, limb, or property through negligence, carelessness, or inattention of the operator. Examples of careless operation include but are not limited to the following:

Personal watercraft means a vessel that uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel. A personal watercraft shall at all times be operated on the waters of this state in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers that endanger life, limb, or property, or create a public nuisance shall all constitute the reckless operation of a vessel, including but not limited to the following: weaving through congested vessel traffic at high speed; following closely behind within the wake of a vessel towing a person or persons on water skis, surfboard, or other water sport device; jumping the wake of another vessel traveling in the same direction in close proximity to the vessel; cutting between a boat and the person or persons being towed by that boat; crossing at right angles in close proximity to the stern of another vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed; or steering a vessel toward any object or person in the water and turning sharply at close range so as to spray the object or person.

Regulations:

The Boating Safety Act of 1959, the Roberson/Archer Act of 1994, and the Boating Safety Enhancement Act of 2001 are designed to promote the full use and enjoyment of Alabama's waterways, provide for the registration of watercraft, and ensure the safety of persons and property in connection with the use of the waters of the State.

Whoever shall unlawfully and unintentionally cause the death of another person while engaged in the violation of any state or municipal ordinance applying to the operation or use of a vehicle or vessel or to the regulation of traffic or boating shall be guilty of homicide when the violation is the approximate cause of death.

Any operator of a boat involved in an accident causing loss of life, injury, or damage in excess of $2,000.00, must, within 24 hours, submit an accident report to the Marine Patrol Division, on forms provided by the Marine Patrol Division or County Sheriff's Offices.

Boat operators must make sure that their boats are equipped with the proper navigation lights and use the lights during these conditions:

No other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation lights may be exhibited. Note: blue flashing lights are restricted to use by law enforcement boats only. The required navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your boat. The common lighting configurations for recreational boats are shown below. U. S. Coast Guard's "Navigation Rules" has other configurations and requirements for larger boats.

Boat operators should never leave shore without a flashlight. Even if you plan to return before dark, unforeseen developments like engine trouble might delay your return past nightfall. 

Unpowered boats, sailboats or those that are paddled, poled and rowed:

If less than 39.4 ft. (12 meters) long, these boats must exhibit the lights as shown in the figure below. Remember, power-driven boats include sailboats operating under power. The required lights are:

All boats are required to display a white light visible from all directions (360-degree visibility) whenever they are moored or anchored away from dock between sunset and sunrise.

Do you ride a personal watercraft? (Jet Ski, Waverunner, Sea-Doo, Etc.)

If so, listed are laws and regulations you should know:

This is not a complete listing of all laws and regulations. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Alabama Marine Patrol Division, Education/Operator Certification Section, 301 S. Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104; (334) 676-7216.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

New federally mandated labeling of wearable PFDs may be found on newer personal flotation devices. The new labeling will show a performance level icon, such as 50, 70, 100 or 150. These are approved for the U.S. and Canada, whereas devices with the old labels (Type I - V) continue to be approved for one country or the other, not both. 

The lower-level number offers more mobility, comfort, and style with good flotation, and is intended for near-shore (calm water) activities. 

Older wearable PFDs, such as the "Type I - V" are still acceptable as long as they are in good condition and appropriate for the activity. 

All boats must be equipped with U. S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jackets called personal flotation devices or PFDs. One wearable PFD is required for each person on board and/or being towed. Each wearable PFD must be in good condition, the proper size for the intended wearer and, very importantly, must be readily accessible! Readily accessible means you must be able to put the PFD on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (boat sinking, on fire, etc.). PFDs should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked or closed compartments, or have other gear stowed on top of them. Boat operators should ask everyone on their boat to wear a PFD whenever on the water. PFDs can save lives, but only if they are worn!

TYPE I: Offshore Life Jackets

These vests are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take a while. They are excellent for flotation and will turn most unconscious persons face-up in the water.

TYPE II: Near-Shore Vests

These vests are good for calm waters and fast rescues. Type II vests may lack the capacity to turn unconscious wearers face up.

TYPE III: Flotation Aids

TYPE IV: Throwable Devices

Every vessel 16 ft. and longer must have on board one Throwable PFD (Type 4) 

TYPE V: Special-Use Devices

These windsurfing vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, and others are designed for specific activities, such as kayaking or water skiing. Some Type V wearable PFDs are designed to inflate when you enter the water. Inflatable Type V wearable PFDs must be worn when underway to be acceptable.

The text and graphics on this page are used by permission. Copyright © 2007 Boat Ed.

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