ALEA and Local Rescue Services Providing Marine Patrols
News Staff • May 26, 2024
ALEA and other agencies assist in marine safety during the season
ALEA is back! Patrolling the beaches and waterways to help keep everyone safe this very busy weekend. There are rescue swimmers on board ready to leap (literally) into action if needed.
As the summer season begins with Memorial Day, so does the need for marine rescue and enforcement crews. This year we have already seen ALEA providing support to Gulf Shores Fire and Rescue and the Orange Beach Fire Department. The ALEA helicopter has rescue swimmers on board as the patrol local beaches and bays.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is reminding everyone to have proper lifejackets onboard their vessels. There needs to be one for every occupancy on the boat, according to ALEA. They also need to fit properly and be in good condition. If there are any occupants on the boat that are younger than 8 years old, they need to wear them at all times.
Lifejackets are going to be a focus for the season and everyone should check their equipment before heading onto the waters.
You Must Have A Operator Certification/License
How to Obtain Boat Operators Certification/License:
- Applicant must go to the Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Examining Office in their county of residence.
- Make application and pay appropriate fee ($5).
- Answer medical questions.
- Successfully complete written/oral exam or show proof of exemption (boating course certificate of completion or age exemption).
- Take the proper form to an ALEA driver license exam office to have the “V” class placed on driver’s license.
Proof of Age: All minors must furnish a certified copy of their birth certificate, their original social security card, and a certified statement from the superintendent of the school which the person attends containing name, date of birth, and address.
Cost of Certification: A one-time application fee of $5.00 cash will be charged. There will be a $36.25 issuance fee for the license.
CERTIFICATION / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTS:
Non-residents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per calendar year without having to obtain a vessel operator's license. If operating a vessel for more than 45 days per calendar year, the non-resident must get an Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. Non-residents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. HOWEVER: Non-resident vessel operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if there is someone 21 years old or older on board, who either has a valid vessel operator's license in possession or falls under the 45-day exemption period because of non-residency status, and who is seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary.
- Non-residents 14 years old or older, may legally operate without supervision.
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