If you are coming to Alabama and planning on doing any boating you need to make certain you are aware of the boating laws that will affect you.

The Alabama Marine Police Division patrols the public waterways, oversees the registration of all pleasure boats and the licensing of all boat operators, and operates a statewide education program. The AMP Division also administers the State's regulatory waterway marking program, presently overseeing 1,518 hazard and control markers/zones. A Disaster Response Team that responds to emergency situations statewide and a Boat Theft Unit that investigates boat and marine accessory theft cases round out some of the services provided to Alabama's boating community.

The Marine Police Division's mission is to enhance safety and promote responsible use of resources on Alabama's waterways though enforcement, education and community activities.

With Alabama's favorable weather conditions and abundant waterways, boating is a popular activity across the state. Over one million boaters enjoy Alabama's one million acres of lakes, 1,600 miles of rivers and 53 miles of coastline each year.

The only way to be safe on the water is to be prepared. You can use this little boaters check list to help you get your boat ready for the coming season and ready to safely venture into Alabama waters.

• Check Your Registration: Make sure your boats registration is current. If it is not, get it current before you get on the water. Being from out of state or not knowing your registration has expired are no defense
• Check Your Boat: Make sure your boat is properly maintained and in good operating condition, Check the oil check the fluids, replace and repair items that need it before you get on the water. The impeller for the cooling system is a critical item on a boat and they tend to wear out quickly. Make certain your anti-corrosion system (zincs) is in good order.
• Check Your Life Jackets: Make certain all life jackets and throwables are in good condition and make sure you have the proper size for everyone on the boat. (In Alabama all children under the age of 8 must wear a life jacket when they are in the boat)
• Make Sure You Have The Proper Boat Operators Credentials. In Alabama you must have a boat operators license.
• Take A Boating Class: Even if not required to, if you are in doubt about the rules of the road and safe boat operating techniques and procedures, take a boating class. They are offered throughout the state and are very inexpensive. Some schools even offer them to their students.
• Drive And Operate Your Boat Defensively: Always be aware of what other boaters are doing around you. Even if you have the right-of -way, if the other boater doesn't give way to your vessel, you give way! Especially keep an eye out for boaters on Jet Skis, Sea Doo etc. Being smaller, they tend to get overlooked by other boaters. (Operators of Sea Doo's and Jet Skis also are less likely to pay attention to what they are doing and very rarely keep a close watch for other vessels)
• Don't Drink And Drive Your Boat: Drinking and driving a boat has the same consequences as drinking and driving a car. Don't do it.
• Watch The Weather: Weather conditions can change quickly so always keep a close eye on the weather. Keep a marine radio close at hand. If you see what looks like bad weather, check the radio. When you are on the gulf and bad weather hits, you are stuck there until it is over. It amazes me that people who will pull up their car up and stop under a bridge in the most minor rain storm, will never give the weather a second thought when they are on the water.
• Practice Common Sense And Courtesy: Don't block the launch ramp. Pay attention to other vessels. Don't act like an idiot or a moron. Pay attention to what is going on around you.