Question for Alabama fisherman...

I am not required to have a boating safety card in Tennessee because of age. I am going to Alabama this weekend to fish. I see they require a card for all boat operators. Is this rabidly enforced? Is there any way I can get one before the weekend?

Our TWRA offers a class, but is currently closed because of Covid.

I don't think we have a boating safety card. You are required to have a drivers license which has to have a boating license on it as well. If your drivers license allows you to operate a boat in your home state then you should be OK.

Originally Posted by ruraldoc

I don't think we have a boating safety card. You are required to have a drivers license which has to have a boating license on it as well. If your drivers license allows you to operate a boat in your home state then you should be OK.

We don’t have that in Tennessee.

Originally Posted by gregintenn

I am not required to have a boating safety card in Tennessee because of age. I am going to Alabama this weekend to fish. I see they require a card for all boat operators. Is this rabidly enforced? Is there any way I can get one before the weekend?

Our TWRA offers a class, but is currently closed because of Covid.

I will send a message to their director of Marine Resources Enforcement. He's a friend of mine. I'll get back to you.

In the meantime, here's a free online class you can take. It'll eat up 3-4 hours of your time. You'll get a printable certificate immediately then they'll send you a wallet card for a nominal fee.

https://www.boatus.org/tennessee/#:~:text=The%20BoatUS%20Foundation's%20Online%20Course,before%201%2F1%2F1989.

Haha.

That this post was about something important.

Like “do Bama fish have more than one teeth” ?

😂🤪. Roe Tide.

Originally Posted by BigDave39355

Haha.

That this post was about something important.

Like “do Bama fish have more than one teeth” ?

😂🤪. Roe Tide.

Ha, dats "one toof" bro.

You don't need an operator license. This is copied from: http://www.outdooralabama.com/

CERTIFICATION / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTS:

Non-residents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per calendar year without having to obtain a vessel operator's license. If operating a vessel for more than 45 days per calendar year, the non-resident must get an Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. Non-residents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. HOWEVER: Non-resident vessel operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if there is someone 21 years old or older on board, who either has a valid vessel operator's license in possession or falls under the 45-day exemption period because of non-residency status, and who is seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary.

Non-residents 14 years old or older, may legally operate without supervision.

Originally Posted by Bama_Rick

You don't need an operator license. This is copied from: http://www.outdooralabama.com/

CERTIFICATION / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTS:

Non-residents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per calendar year without having to obtain a vessel operator's license. If operating a vessel for more than 45 days per calendar year, the non-resident must get an Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. Non-residents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. HOWEVER: Non-resident vessel operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if there is someone 21 years old or older on board, who either has a valid vessel operator's license in possession or falls under the 45-day exemption period because of non-residency status, and who is seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary.

Non-residents 14 years old or older, may legally operate without supervision.

Thank you, sir! I did not find that. Takes a load off my mind.

Also, thank you to everyone who responded.

No problem! I thought that was the case, but looked to make sure. Boat and Pwc rental is big business down here with tourists. Can't let a silly license get in the way...

We're gonna need fish pics!

Originally Posted by gregintenn

Originally Posted by Bama_Rick

You don't need an operator license. This is copied from: http://www.outdooralabama.com/

CERTIFICATION / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTS:

Non-residents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per calendar year without having to obtain a vessel operator's license. If operating a vessel for more than 45 days per calendar year, the non-resident must get an Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. Non-residents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. HOWEVER: Non-resident vessel operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if there is someone 21 years old or older on board, who either has a valid vessel operator's license in possession or falls under the 45-day exemption period because of non-residency status, and who is seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary.

Non-residents 14 years old or older, may legally operate without supervision.

Thank you, sir! I did not find that. Takes a load off my mind.

Also, thank you to everyone who responded.

That was also confirmed by my bud.

Originally Posted by Bama_Rick

No problem! I thought that was the case, but looked to make sure. Boat and Pwc rental is big business down here with tourists. Can't let a silly license get in the way...

We're gonna need fish pics!

No problem! Just tell me where and how to catch them.

Originally Posted by PaulBarnard

Originally Posted by gregintenn

Originally Posted by Bama_Rick

You don't need an operator license. This is copied from: http://www.outdooralabama.com/

CERTIFICATION / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTS:

Non-residents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per calendar year without having to obtain a vessel operator's license. If operating a vessel for more than 45 days per calendar year, the non-resident must get an Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. Non-residents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. HOWEVER: Non-resident vessel operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if there is someone 21 years old or older on board, who either has a valid vessel operator's license in possession or falls under the 45-day exemption period because of non-residency status, and who is seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary.

Non-residents 14 years old or older, may legally operate without supervision.

Thank you, sir! I did not find that. Takes a load off my mind.

Also, thank you to everyone who responded.

That was also confirmed by my bud.

Thank you for checking.

You are only required to have what is required by your state. Where are you going fishing?

Originally Posted by mirage243

You are only required to have what is required by your state. Where are you going fishing?

Lake Guntersville. We’re staying in Langston.

Originally Posted by gregintenn

Originally Posted by mirage243

You are only required to have what is required by your state. Where are you going fishing?

Lake Guntersville. We’re staying in Langston.

Guntersville is th best bass lake in the state, I live on the best crappie lake in the state, Wedowee (R.L. Harris Resevoir)

Originally Posted by mirage243

Originally Posted by gregintenn

Originally Posted by mirage243

You are only required to have what is required by your state. Where are you going fishing?

Lake Guntersville. We’re staying in Langston.

Guntersville is th best bass lake in the state, I live on the best crappie lake in the state, Wedowee (R.L. Harris Resevoir)

Cool! I like crappie.