Boater’s Safety Education Alabama Boating Requirements

Boating Safely in Alabama Certification Roberson / Archer Act of 1994 requires that anyone 12 years and older that operates a motorized vessel on the water of this State shall obtain a boaters safety certification

All about Boats Classifications Motorized vessels are divided into 4 classifications according to length Class A – Less than 16 feet in length Class 1 – 16 feet to less than 26 feet Class 2 – 26 feet to less than 40 feet Class 3 – 40 feet to 65 feet

Recreational Boats Small Utility boats and Jon Boats Widely used for fishing Most made of aluminum Powered by outboard engine

Generally start at 18 feet in length and up to 50 or 60 feet Recreational Boats Cruisers Larger in size Generally start at 18 feet in length and up to 50 or 60 feet

Recreational Boats Runabouts Most are made of fiberglass or aluminum Powered by inboard or outboard engines

Recreational Boats Personal Watercraft Considered by the U.S. Coast Guard as a Class A Vessel Powered by inboard engine or jet pump Subject to the same laws as larger vessels

Recreational Boats Canoes, Kayaks, and Inflatable's Mostly powered by paddles and oars

Recreational Boats Sailboats and Sailboards Variety of sizes Most are powered by Sail and or engines

Boat Capacity Plate Mounted in plain site of the vessel operator Tells the operator the following information… Maximum number of people it can carry Maximum weight in pounds Maximum horsepower for that vessel

Parts of a Vessel Beam Freeboard Waterline Draft Propeller Chines Rail Outboard Motor Stern Steering Wheel 1 Combination Light (Red, Green) Windshield Cleat

Registration Required for all mechanically propelled vessels Reads from left to right Bold and 3 “ high Contrasting color Above the water line Spaces between letters and numbers Decals must be displayed 6 “ from the numbers

Equipment Requirements PFD – Personal Flotation Device Must be U.S Coast Guard Approved Should fit properly

Know What the Law Requires Effective May 1, 1995, a wearable U.S. Approved Coast Guard PFD approved Type I, II or III life preserver is required for each person aboard all vessels no matter the length

Vessels 16 feet or longer 1 approved wearable PFD for each person on board Plus at least 1 throwable PFD device (Type IV)

PFD’s and the law All persons under the age of 8 years old on any vessel shall wear an approved wearable PFD that is remains snapped, clipped or zipped at all times, except within an enclosed cabin or sleeping quarters. \

PFD Type’s 5 Coast Guard approved type’s of PFD’s

Equipment Requirements Fire extinguishers Classified by Letters and Numbers as to the type and size fire they can put out Most vessels require a Type B,C – Dry Chemical Extinguisher Type B – Flammable Liquids Type C – Electrical Fires

Equipment Requirements Emergency Shut-Off Switch Illegal to operate a motorized vessel less than 24 feet with an open cockpit and a motor with more than 50 HP unless it is equipped with an emergency motor shut-off switch

Equipment Requirements Backfire Flame Arrestor Internal Combustion Engines may backfire All motorboats except outboards and diesels must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved backfire flame arrestor

Equipment Requirements Mufflers Illegal to operate a motorboat in any manner that exceeds 86 decibels at 50 feet

Equipment Requirements Whistles, Horns, and Bells Both inland and International rules require all boats some means of producing effective sound signal If your boat is 12 meters or longer a power whistle, horn or bell must be carried

Equipment Requirements Light Requirements for Pleasure Crafts All vessels must show running lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility Light Requirements vary from vessel length and propulsion type

Light Requirements Anchor Light – all around white light visible for 2 miles Red Light on the bow shining Left or Port side Green Light on bow shining right or Starboard side

Navigation and Safety Enforced By the U.S. Coast Guard along with State enforcement authorities Hazards Operator Awareness Overloading / Overpowering Speed Regulations Restricted Areas Riding on Decks and Gunwales Interference with Navigation Mooring to Buoys

Navigation and Safety Hazards Pollution Regulations Motorboat Operator Age Water Skiing Races and Regattas

Navigation Rules Who has the right of way? Meeting Head-On Each Vessel shall turn to the to the Starboard (right) and pass the other vessel on its Port (Left)

Navigation Rules Crossing Stand on Vessel Holds course and speed

Navigation Hopefully you have learned a little more than Miss Teen South Carolina did in school!!!