By Staff Reports

 The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division is gearing up for another season of Boating Basics and License Courses offered at locations across the state.  

Each year, the Agency offers free in-person classes that allow interaction between local ALEA  Troopers and provides students with more hands-on training. These courses also provide relevant and important information concerning specific bodies of waters that citizens in the area may visit frequently.  

Citizens who complete the boating basics course will receive a certificate in the mail after Troopers submit the individual’s information to the Agency’s Vessel Registration Unit. The Driver License Division will then add the vessel class to their Alabama Driver License. 

Please note that it may take up to 10 business days before the customer can go online to  

alabamadl.alea.gov or visit their nearest county probate office to purchase their updated Alabama Driver License. Children 12 years old or older are eligible for a vessel operator’s license, however, they will not be able to operate alone until the age of 14.  

To access the current schedule, alea.gov. 

For more information, or to enroll in a class, please contact the Marine Patrol Instructor via the  email provided on the schedule. A one-time application fee of $5 cash will be charged. There  will be a $36.25 issuance fee for the license.