The season of spring in Alabama is right across the horizon So now is the perfect time to get ready for the boating season.
Troopers in ALLEA’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division are scheduled to begin Boating Basics and License Courses starting March 11 across the southern region of Alabama. While the eight-hour classes will be free of charge and accessible to all anyone interested in attending must contact the ALEA’s Marine Patrol to reserve a space.
Marine Patrol Division Chief Steve Thompson stated, “We want to ensure that all boaters and passengers are protected when enjoying Alabama’s lakes, rivers and other bodies water. Boaters who have completed the course will be given an possibility of obtaining an official Boating Basics Certificate which is required to obtain the endorsement of a boater on Alabama’s driver’s license.”
The course is designed to be interactive with ALEA’s Troopers’ Marine Patrol Division, who visit local waterways and talk about the particular issues boaters confront. Anyone aged 12 or older is invited to sign up for the course, as 12-year-olds can obtain a license as a vessel operator for operating a boat when they are accompanied by an adult who is licensed. At the age of 14 they can be allowed to operate a vessel on their own.
Prospective boaters are encouraged to email benjamin.12ate@alea.gov for the session they would like to attend and to confirm times and dates.
The article Alabama will host a spring boating basic and a license course in the south of Alabama was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
