Alabama Boaters Alabama Waterway Laws 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Alabama law requires vessel registration numbers to be placed on which part of the vessel?
- On the stern (rear) of the vessel only
- On the forward half of both sides of the bow (Correct answer)
- On the top of the hull where visible from above
- On the port side only, forward of center
Correct answer: On the forward half of both sides of the bow
The registration number must be displayed on the forward half of both port and starboard sides of the bow.
Question 2: When operating a vessel at night in Alabama, which of the following light configurations is required for a motorboat under 26 feet?
- Only a white stern light
- Red and green sidelights plus a white stern light (or a combined all-around white light) (Correct answer)
- A single yellow rotating beacon
- Floodlights illuminating the deck
Correct answer: Red and green sidelights plus a white stern light (or a combined all-around white light)
Motorboats under 26 feet must display red and green sidelights and a white stern light, or an all-around white light combined with sidelights, per USCG rules adopted by Alabama.
Question 3: Under Alabama law, an operator must immediately stop and render assistance after a collision. Failure to do so can result in:
- A written warning only
- Hit-and-run criminal charges and significant penalties (Correct answer)
- Automatic vessel registration revocation only
- A civil fine with no criminal implications
Correct answer: Hit-and-run criminal charges and significant penalties
Leaving the scene of a boating accident without rendering aid is a criminal offense in Alabama, similar to a vehicular hit-and-run.
Question 4: Which of the following activities is specifically prohibited in Alabama designated swimming areas?
- Anchoring a non-motorized vessel
- Operating any motorized vessel (Correct answer)
- Using a paddleboard without a PFD
- Fishing from the shoreline adjacent to the area
Correct answer: Operating any motorized vessel
Motorized vessels are prohibited from entering marked swimming areas to protect swimmers from injury.
Question 5: Alabama's Safe Boating law requires that life jackets (PFDs) kept on board must be:
- Stored in a sealed compartment to keep them dry
- Readily accessible and in good serviceable condition (Correct answer)
- Worn at all times by every person on board
- Inspected annually by ALEA and stamped as approved
Correct answer: Readily accessible and in good serviceable condition
PFDs must be immediately accessible — not locked away — and in good condition so they can actually be used in an emergency.
Question 6: In Alabama, which vessels are required to carry a Type IV throwable PFD (such as a ring buoy or throw cushion) in addition to wearable life jackets?
- All vessels regardless of size
- Motorized vessels 16 feet or longer (Correct answer)
- Only commercial passenger vessels
- Vessels carrying more than 4 passengers
Correct answer: Motorized vessels 16 feet or longer
Motorized vessels 16 feet or longer must carry at least one Type IV throwable PFD in addition to wearable life jackets for each person.
Question 7: Alabama law mandates that a boater education course completion card be carried on board by operators born after which date?
- January 1, 1990 (Correct answer)
- January 1, 1986
- January 1, 1980
- January 1, 2000
Correct answer: January 1, 1990
Alabama requires operators born on or after January 1, 1990 to have completed an approved boater education course and carry proof of completion.
Alabama Boaters Alabama Waterway Laws 5
Alabama law requires vessel registration numbers to be placed on which part of the vessel?