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• Persons who are under the age of 12 may not, in any instance, operate a motorized vessel including personal watercraft
• Boat operators must be at least 12 years of age to receive their Alabama Boat Operators Certificate

The Boating Safety Enhancement Act which came into effect on January 1, 2002 set the minimum age for operating a motorized vessel without direct adult supervision at 14 years of age. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule; the following may operate a vessel without adult supervision:

• Residents of the state of Alabama who were 12 years of age or older on January 1, 2002 that have obtained their Boat Operators Certificate

• Residents of the state of Alabama who had obtained a Boat Operators Certificate prior to January 1, 2002
• Non-Residents aged between 12 and 14 years, who had obtained a Boat Operators Certificate in their home state prior to January 1, 2002
• A non-resident, 12 years old but less than 14 years old, who has not obtained an operator’s license or who has an operator license from his or her home state may not operate a vessel unless there is a person, 21 years old or older, with a valid operator’s license (unless a non-resident) on board and in a position to take immediate physical control of the vessel if necessary
• Non-residents 14 years old or older may operate alone in Alabama under the 45-day grace period