On Friday, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division announced its annual Boating Basics and License Courses currently offered in the state’s northern and central districts.
Each year, the Agency offers free hands-on classes that allow interaction with local ALEA Troopers and important information on issues within the local bodies of water that citizens in the area may visit frequently.
Citizens who complete the boating basics course receive a certificate in the mail after troopers submit the individual’s information to the Agency’s Driver License Division. The Driver License Division will add the vessel class to their Alabama Driver License.
ALEA said it may take up to 10 business days before the customer can go online to alabamadl.alea.gov or visit their nearest county probate office to purchase their updated Alabama Driver's License. Children 12 years old or older are eligible for a vessel operator's license. However, they will not be able to operate alone until 14.
To access the current schedule, CLICK HERE.
For more information or to enroll in a class, please contact the Marine Patrol Instructor via the email on the schedule. A one-time application fee of $5 cash will be charged to receive a license. There is also a $36.25 issuance fee for the license.
Alabama had multiple deaths, severe injuries, and accidents on the waterways in 2023. ALEA offers these classes to prevent those cases and provide boaters with reasonable safety and awareness before they take to Alabama's waterways in 2024.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.cox@1819news.com or on Twitter @BradleyCoxAL
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
