HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Alabama state law enforcement officials don't want people to leave marine safety to chance. As springtime nears, ALEA's Marine Patrol division is offering boating basics and licensing courses between now and the end of April. The eight-hour courses are free and open to the public.
“We want to ensure all vessel operators and passengers are safe while enjoying Alabama’s lakes, rivers and other bodies of water," said Marine Patrol Division Chief Steve Thompson.
Prospective boaters who complete the course will have an opportunity to obtain a Boating Basics certificate, which is required for the boater endorsement on Alabama’s driver license.
“There is no better boater safety program taught than the classes taught by Marine Patrol Troopers," said Corporal Robert Ping from ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division Northern District. "Our classes allow for interaction with the instructor, and they are structured with an emphasis on the issues of your local bodies of water.
"With summer boating season right around the corner, now is the time to get licensed so that you may safely enjoy the beautiful waters of Alabama," Ping added.
Anyone age 12 and older is welcome to sign up for the class as 12- year-olds are eligible to obtain a vessel operator’s license for operating a vessel when accompanied by a licensed adult. At age 14, they are allowed to operate a vessel alone.
Spaces for each course are limited; refer to the list below for information on registration.
Upcoming boating safety/license classes (sorted alphabetically by city)
ARLEY - 3/11/23 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Arley Volunteer Fire Dept. (236 CR 7) - Contact Tpr. Kyle Stephenson, joseph.stephenson@alea.gov
ARLEY - 4/1/23 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Arley Volunteer Fire Dept. (236 CR 7) - Contact Tpr. Kyle Stephenson, joseph.stephenson@alea.gov
CENTRE - 3/25/23 8 a.m.-5 p.m. - Cherokee County EMA (260 Cedar Bluff Rd. #104) - Contact Tpr. Eric Watson, eric.watson@alea.gov
CENTRE - 4/22/23 8 a.m.-5 p.m. - Cherokee County EMA (260 Cedar Bluff Rd. #104) - Contact Tpr. Eric Watson, eric.watson@alea.gov
DECATUR - 3/11/23 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Dry Creek Marine (3704 Gordon Terry Pkwy) - Contact Tpr. Larry Adams, larry.adams@alea.gov
DECATUR - 4/8/23 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Fredericks Outdoors (1312 South Bethel Rd.) - Contact Tpr. Larry Adams, larry.adams@alea.gov
FLORENCE - 3/11/23 8 a.m.-5 p.m. - Cypress Creek Indoor Range (5060 Alabama Hwy. 157) - Contact Tpr. Cody Farrar, justin.farrar@alea.gov
GUNTERSVILLE - 4/8/23 9 a.m.-3 p.m. - Guntersville Rescue Squad (2350 Miller St.) - Contact Tpr. James Young, james.young@alea.gov
GUNTERSVILLE - 3/18/23 Noon-6 p.m. - Guntersville Rescue Squad (2350 Miller St.) - Contact Tpr. Kevin Hawkins, kevin.hawkins@alea.gov
HUNTSVILLE - 3/18/23 9 a.m.-3 p.m. - Cabela's (7090 Cabela Drive) - Call 256-517-7200 to register
KILLEN - 4/15/23 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - Killen Town Hall/VFD (319 JC Maudlin Hwy.) - Contact Tpr. Cody Farrar, justin.farrar@alea.gov
SHEFFIELD - 4/29/23 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - Hellen Keller Hospital & Wellness Center (1021 W. 11th St.) - Call 256-386-4747 to register