Name:	i luv lake martin -	Reply
Subject:	Vessel License
Date:	6/19/2015 10:51:40 AM

Does anyone know the rules for people who are from Georgia and Florida as to whether or not they need a vessel license in order to drive a boat on Lake Martin?  I can't seem to get a consistant answer and I tried calling marine police but they didn't answer the phone!  Any help would be appreciated!

Name:	TowBoat -	Reply
Subject:	Vessel License
Date:	6/19/2015 1:38:01 PM

If the state that you are from requires a vessel license then you are required to carry that license while operating a vessel in Alabama.  Georgia does not require a license to operate a vessel so you are not required to have one here but you still need to carry your drivers license on board.  Not sure about Florida.   Hope that helps.

Name:	i luv lake martin -	Reply
Subject:	Vessel License
Date:	6/19/2015 2:18:48 PM

Thanks so much!  VERY helpful!

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	One caveat
Date:	6/19/2015 4:28:51 PM

If you spend a certain number of days driving on Alabama water you must have the license also. I think the number is 45 days but not certain. I have always thought it was crazy to even put in the law as it is unenforceable IMHO.  You can also get a non resident vessel license.  Georgia does require a boater certification course now so Alabama law requires you to have that so why not go ahead and get the license. You may get a better insurance rate with the license.

Name:	Zman -	Reply
Subject:	Vessel License
Date:	6/19/2015 9:32:06 PM

I recommend going on line and getting an Alabama license, erasing doubt as to legality.  Cheapest way to go in the long run for piece of mind.

Name:	Zman -	Reply
Subject:	Vessel License
Date:	6/19/2015 9:33:44 PM

Peace not piece.  Apologies.

Name:	Capt M Brooks -	Reply
Subject:	Georgia & Florida Certifications Required
Date:	6/20/2015 1:46:28 AM

Georgia now requires all persons born after January 1, 1998 to pass an approved boating safety course before operating any vessel. and they must have their proof of completion card in their possession when operating. Those persons are required to have that same card in their possession when operating in Alabama now. Georgia residents 12 & 13 years of age must have that card in their possession AND a licensed or certified person at least 21 years of age on board with them in order to operate.

We require Georgia residents who are exempt from the law above to have their Georgia identification on them when operating in Alabama or they may obtain an Alabama Non-Resident operator certification.

Georgia Certification Requirements

Florida now requires all persons born after January 1, 1988 to have successfully completed either a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed a course equivalency or temporary certificate examination and have in their possession a Boating Education ID Card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of 10 h.p. or more. Those persons are required to have that same card and photo identification in their possession when operating in Alabama now. Florida residents 12 & 13 years of age must have the card and photo identification in their possession AND a licensed or certified person at least 21 years of age on board with them in order to operate. 

We require Florida residents who are exempt from the law above to have their Florida identification on them when operating in Alabama or they may obtain an Alabama Non-Resident operator certification.

Florida Certification Requirements