ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division announces fall boating basics and license course schedule

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s 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.  

Those who complete the Boating Basics course will receive a certificate in the mail after  troopers submit the individual’s information to ALEA’s Vessel Registration Unit. The Driver License Division will then add the vessel class to their Alabama driver’s license.

It may take up to 10 business days before the customer can go online at alabamadl.alea.gov or visit their nearest county probate office to purchase their updated Alabama driver’s 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.  

Local schedule

• Arley – Saturday
  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Arley Volunteer Fire Department
  236 County Road 77
  Instructor: Sr. Trooper Kyle Stephenson – [email protected]
• Huntsville – Oct. 25
  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Ditto Landing Marina Pavilion
  Instructor: Sr. Trooper Casey Terry – [email protected]
• Centre – Nov. 8
  8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Cherokee County EMA
  260 Cedar Bluff Road
  Instructor: Sr. Trooper Eric Watson – [email protected]
• Guntersville – Nov. 15
  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Guntersville Rescue Squad
  2350 Miller Street
  Instructor: Sr. Trooper Adam Colquitt – [email protected]
• Arley – Nov. 15
  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Helicon Fire Department
  6019 County Road 77
  Instructor: Sr. Trooper Kasey Pruitt – [email protected]
• Arley – Dec. 13
  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Arley Volunteer Fire Department
  236 County Road 77
  Instructor: Sr. Trooper Jordan Lee – [email protected]

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