Alabama Boaters Boating Laws & Navigational Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Alabama, what is the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without adult supervision?
- 14 years old (Correct answer)
- 16 years old
- 12 years old
- 18 years old
Correct answer: 14 years old
Alabama law requires operators of PWCs to be at least 14 years old and possess a boater education card.
Question 2: When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, each should:
- Pass port-to-port by turning right (Correct answer)
- Pass starboard-to-starboard by turning left
- The smaller vessel must yield
- The slower vessel must yield
Correct answer: Pass port-to-port by turning right
In a head-on situation, both vessels must turn to starboard so they pass each other on their port (left) sides.
Question 3: What does a solid red buoy with an even number indicate in the U.S. Aids to Navigation system?
- Keep it on your starboard side when returning from sea (Correct answer)
- Keep it on your port side when returning from sea
- Marks a hazard in the middle of the channel
- Indicates a speed zone
Correct answer: Keep it on your starboard side when returning from sea
Red buoys with even numbers mark the right side of a channel when returning from open water — remember 'Red Right Returning.'
Question 4: How many life jackets must a 20-foot motorboat legally carry in Alabama?
- One wearable PFD for each person aboard (Correct answer)
- One throwable device only
- Two PFDs regardless of passengers
- One PFD per two passengers
Correct answer: One wearable PFD for each person aboard
Federal and Alabama law require at least one Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD for every person on board.
Question 5: A vessel operating in Alabama waters between sunset and sunrise must display navigation lights:
- At all times during that period (Correct answer)
- Only when other vessels are nearby
- Only in congested waterways
- Only when anchored
Correct answer: At all times during that period
Navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility regardless of traffic.
Question 6: Under Alabama law, which action is required immediately after a boating accident resulting in a fatality?
- Report to the nearest law enforcement agency as soon as possible (Correct answer)
- File a written report within 48 hours only
- Report only if the vessel was at fault
- No report is needed if the body is recovered
Correct answer: Report to the nearest law enforcement agency as soon as possible
A fatal boating accident must be reported immediately to law enforcement; a written report is also due within 48 hours.
Question 7: What does a diamond-shaped buoy with a cross inside indicate?
- Boats Keep Out (Correct answer)
- Danger area
- Controlled speed zone
- Information or directions
Correct answer: Boats Keep Out
A white buoy with an orange diamond containing an orange cross means the area is off-limits to boats.
Alabama Boaters Boating Laws & Navigational Rules 2
In Alabama, what is the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without adult supervision?