Alabama Boaters Alabama Waterway Laws 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Alabama law, how long must you keep a vessel's registration certificate on board?
- Only when crossing state lines
- At all times while the vessel is in operation (Correct answer)
- Only during nighttime hours
- Only when carrying passengers for hire
Correct answer: At all times while the vessel is in operation
The certificate of number (registration) must be on board and available for inspection whenever the vessel is in operation.
Question 2: Alabama law restricts the speed of vessels within how many feet of a swimmer in the water?
- 50 feet
- 100 feet (Correct answer)
- 200 feet
- 300 feet
Correct answer: 100 feet
Alabama law requires vessels to operate at slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of any person in the water.
Question 3: Which Alabama waterway regulation applies specifically to Lake Martin, Weiss Lake, and other impoundments managed by Alabama Power?
- Federal maritime law supersedes all state rules
- Additional rules set by Alabama Power as the licensee may apply (Correct answer)
- Only USCG regulations apply on these lakes
- No speed limits exist on private utility lakes
Correct answer: Additional rules set by Alabama Power as the licensee may apply
On lakes managed by Alabama Power under FERC licenses, the utility may impose supplemental rules in addition to state boating laws.
Question 4: What is the maximum wake speed generally required when operating near a public boat launch ramp in Alabama?
- 5 mph
- Slow, no-wake speed (Correct answer)
- 10 mph
- 15 mph
Correct answer: Slow, no-wake speed
Operators must reduce to slow, no-wake speed when within the designated distance of boat ramps to protect launching and landing vessels.
Question 5: In Alabama, which of the following is TRUE regarding water skiers being towed by a vessel?
- A skier can be towed at night with a proper light attached to the skier
- Water skiing is only permitted between sunrise and sunset (Correct answer)
- A skier only needs one observer if the driver has a rear-view mirror
- Water skiing is permitted during official regattas at any hour
Correct answer: Water skiing is only permitted between sunrise and sunset
Alabama law prohibits towing a water skier between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
Question 6: Alabama law requires a vessel towing a water skier to have, in addition to the operator, at least one other person on board to serve as:
- A licensed spotter
- An observer to watch the skier (Correct answer)
- A certified first aid attendant
- A co-pilot over 18 years of age
Correct answer: An observer to watch the skier
The law requires a competent observer in addition to the operator so someone is always watching the person being towed.
Question 7: Under Alabama boating law, a vessel's registration number must be displayed in what color relative to its hull?
- Always in black regardless of hull color
- In a color that contrasts with the hull color (Correct answer)
- In red for sailboats and blue for powerboats
- Any color as long as it is at least 3 inches tall
Correct answer: In a color that contrasts with the hull color
The registration number must be in a color that clearly contrasts with the hull background so it is easily readable.
Alabama Boaters Alabama Waterway Laws 3
Under Alabama law, how long must you keep a vessel's registration certificate on board?