BOATING SAFETY ALABAMA’S BOATING SAFETY ACT

The Roberson/Archer Act is another name for the Boating Safety Act of 1994 This legislation made Boating Safety a mandatory component of the Drivers Education Curriculum

Key points of the Boating Safety Act Persons over 40 years of age on April 28, 1994 are exempt from the educational component of the Alabama Boating Safety Act. Persons over 40 years of age on April 28, 1994 are exempt from the educational component of the Alabama Boating Safety Act. Certification is not required for non-motorized vessels. Certification is not required for non-motorized vessels. All boaters of motorized vessels must be at least 14 years of age ( as of 2001 ) and have passed an approved course in boater safety. All boaters of motorized vessels must be at least 14 years of age ( as of 2001 ) and have passed an approved course in boater safety. Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.

Key points of the Boating Safety Act Boating Rules – of – Road must be followed for safe vessel operation. Boating Rules – of – Road must be followed for safe vessel operation. Boating Under the Influence ( BUI ) laws are exactly like DUI laws on the roadways. A boater can be convicted of BUI if their BAC is at.08% or above. The “zero tolerance” law for underage drinkers is applicable on the waterways as well. Boating Under the Influence ( BUI ) laws are exactly like DUI laws on the roadways. A boater can be convicted of BUI if their BAC is at.08% or above. The “zero tolerance” law for underage drinkers is applicable on the waterways as well.

ALCOHOL FACTS AND MYTHS Myth: Beer is less intoxicating than other alcoholic beverages. Myth: Beer is less intoxicating than other alcoholic beverages. Fact: One 12 oz. can of beer, one 5 oz. glass of wine, or one shot of 80 proof liquor all contain about the same amount of alcohol and have the same effect. Fact: One 12 oz. can of beer, one 5 oz. glass of wine, or one shot of 80 proof liquor all contain about the same amount of alcohol and have the same effect. Myth: Its easy to tell if someone is to drunk to drive. Myth: Its easy to tell if someone is to drunk to drive. Fact: Many experience drivers have learned to compensate for alcohol’s outwardly visual effects and can hide their intoxicated condition. Fact: Many experience drivers have learned to compensate for alcohol’s outwardly visual effects and can hide their intoxicated condition.

ALCOHOL FACTS AND MYTHS Myth: A cold shower, a walk in the fresh air or black coffee will sober you up. Myth: A cold shower, a walk in the fresh air or black coffee will sober you up. Fact: Once you have consumed alcohol, nothing will sober you up except time. Your body will burn about 1 oz. of alcohol per hour. If you are legally drunk it will take about 7 hours to sober up. Fact: Once you have consumed alcohol, nothing will sober you up except time. Your body will burn about 1 oz. of alcohol per hour. If you are legally drunk it will take about 7 hours to sober up. Myth: You are the best person to judge whether you are fit to drive Myth: You are the best person to judge whether you are fit to drive Fact: One of the first things you lose when drinking is your judgement. Fact: One of the first things you lose when drinking is your judgement.

CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP Boat owners must keep the title of their boat in a safe place. Boat owners must keep the title of their boat in a safe place. On the reverse of the vessel title there is an application for the transfer of ownership On the reverse of the vessel title there is an application for the transfer of ownership

CERTIFICATE OF NUMBER Boat owners must have at least a temporary Certificate of Number before they can operate in state waters. Upon receipt of the Certificate of Number: Boat owners must have at least a temporary Certificate of Number before they can operate in state waters. Upon receipt of the Certificate of Number: It must be signed and carried onboard when operating the vessel. It must be signed and carried onboard when operating the vessel. The AMPD must be notified within 15 days if the boater changes residences. The AMPD must be notified within 15 days if the boater changes residences. The AMPD must also be notified within 15 days if the vessel is: lost, stolen, destroyed or abandoned. The AMPD must also be notified within 15 days if the vessel is: lost, stolen, destroyed or abandoned. The Certificate of Number is valid for one year and the date for the required renewal is dependant on the first letter of the vessel owner's last name. The Certificate of Number is valid for one year and the date for the required renewal is dependant on the first letter of the vessel owner's last name.

Legal requirements of Boating Who May Operate a Vessel Who May Operate a Vessel The Roberson/Archer Act of 1994 requires that every person who operates a motorized vessel (including PWCs) on the waters of Alabama must first obtain an Alabama boater safety certification. This requirement does not apply to operators of sailboats, rowboats or canoes. The Roberson/Archer Act of 1994 requires that every person who operates a motorized vessel (including PWCs) on the waters of Alabama must first obtain an Alabama boater safety certification. This requirement does not apply to operators of sailboats, rowboats or canoes. Age to Legally Operate on Alabama Waters Age to Legally Operate on Alabama Waters No one under the age of 12 years may operate any motorized vessel (including PWCs) under any circumstances. No one under the age of 12 years may operate any motorized vessel (including PWCs) under any circumstances. Persons under the age of 12 years are not eligible for Alabama boater safety certification. Persons under the age of 12 years are not eligible for Alabama boater safety certification.

Legal requirements of Boating Certification Boater Safety Requirements for Alabama Residents Certification Boater Safety Requirements for Alabama Residents If you are under 12 years of age: You may not obtain your Alabama boater safety certification, and you may not operate a vessel under any circumstances. If you are under 12 years of age: You may not obtain your Alabama boater safety certification, and you may not operate a vessel under any circumstances. If you are 12 or 13 years of age: You may obtain your Alabama boater safety certification. After obtaining the certification, you may operate a vessel legally only if supervised on board by a person who: If you are 12 or 13 years of age: You may obtain your Alabama boater safety certification. After obtaining the certification, you may operate a vessel legally only if supervised on board by a person who: –Is at least 21 years of age and... –Carries a valid proof of his or her Alabama boater safety certification and... –Is in position to take immediate physical control of the vessel. If you are 14 years of age or older: After obtaining Alabama boater safety certification, you may operate a vessel without supervision legally. If you are 14 years of age or older: After obtaining Alabama boater safety certification, you may operate a vessel without supervision legally.

Preparing for a Boating Trip When loading items onto a boat use a check list to insure all items are on board and stowed securely. When loading items onto a boat use a check list to insure all items are on board and stowed securely. Always hand equipment and items into the boat, don’t try to carry them on. Always hand equipment and items into the boat, don’t try to carry them on. When boarding, step into the center and give others assistance in boarding safely. Stay low and hold onto both sides for balance. When boarding, step into the center and give others assistance in boarding safely. Stay low and hold onto both sides for balance. Distribute weight as evenly as possible. Distribute weight as evenly as possible.

Preparing for a Boating Trip File a float plan that includes a description of the boat, number of persons aboard, trip plan (departure and arrival estimates), and emergency numbers in the event of a problem. Leave the float plan with a responsible person on the shore. File a float plan that includes a description of the boat, number of persons aboard, trip plan (departure and arrival estimates), and emergency numbers in the event of a problem. Leave the float plan with a responsible person on the shore. Check for full fuel tanks and check fuel lines for leaks Check for full fuel tanks and check fuel lines for leaks Happy Boating Happy Boating