Boaters in Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, are required, by law, to have certain items in their boat. These items are not only required by law to be in the boat, it is a good idea to have them as well. Often these items can be the difference between a good day on the water and one that has gone completely wrong.
The State of Alabama requires all boat operators to have an Alabama Boat Operators License. This license is to be onboard the boat anytime the operator has it in the water. Boat operators have the opportunity to take the boat safety class throughout the state where they can be issued a boating license if they complete the course. For more information, boaters can go to www.outdooralabama.com/boating/license/.
A Certificate of Number is required for the boat. According to Alabama state law, “all mechanically propelled vessels, sailboats and boats for hire must be registered. This law also stipulates that different sizes of boats are to be classified as either a Class I, Class II, Class III or Class IV boat. A Class I is a boat that measures under 16 feet in length. A Class II is a boat that measures between 16 and 26 feet. A Class III is a boat that measures between 26 and 40 feet, and a Class IV is a boat that measures over 40 feet long. All these boats are to have their permanent registration number placed on both sides of the boat and must not be obstructed in anyway. The number is to be displayed in 3 parts with either a hyphen or space between each and must be in a contrasting color with the boat such as light on dark and dark on light. This registration number must be in block character which is not less than 3 inches high. The Alabama validation decal is to be placed within 6 inches prior to the registration number or 6 inches after the registration number and in a straightline with the number. The registration number and the validation decal is to be placed on the port and on the starboard bow of the boat.
Personal Flotation Devices are the next thing that are required on a boat in Alabama. These personal flotation devices must be US Coast Guard approved. All boats in Alabama must have a type I, II, III or V personal flotation devices for each person on the boat and passengers who are younger than 8 years must wear theirs while they are in the boat. If the boat operator has a passenger wearing a type V that passenger must be engaged in the activity for which the type V flotation device is approved. Type I personal flotation device is an Offshore Life Jacket which is approved for rough, remote waters, has the most buoyancy, provides excellent flotation and is designed to turn an unconscious wearer face up while in the water. Type II personal flotation device is a Near-Shore Vest that is approved for calm water where a quick rescue can occur and will also turn an unconscious wearer face up in the water. Type III personal flotation devices are actually flotation aids such as vests or full-sleeved jackets that are designed for water sports in calm waters where a quick rescue can occur and will not turn a wearer over when unconscious. Type IV personal flotation devices are throwable devices such as cushions and ring buoys for calm waters. Type V personal flotation devices are special-use devices designed for specific uses and must be worn and used for the specific use for which they are designed.
Ignition Safety Switches are required for boats that are under 24 feet in length, with an open cockpit and that are powered by a motor that is larger than 50 horsepower. This safety switch must be connected to a lanyard that in turn is connected to the operator of the boat’s person, personal flotation device or clothing.
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher must be on all boats in the waters of Alabama regardless of their size. This particular type of fire extinguisher is capable of extinguishing fires that involve flammable liquids.
Ventilation systems are required for all gasoline-powered boats that are built such that they entrap fuel fumes. These boats are required to have an exhaust duct that extends from the open atmosphere down to the boat’s lower bilge and an intake duct that extends from at least half way to the bilge or even below the carburetor air intake.
Muffler systems or a water manifold is required for all boats in Alabama. However, cut-offs and/or exhaust stacks are prohibited and powerboats and personal water craft can not have a noise level that “exceeds 86 decibels when measured at 50 feet” from the boat in question.
A Horn, Whistle or Bell are required for Class II which is boats that are 16 to 24 feet in length and navigation lights, daytime and night time visual distress systems are also required by the state.
