Name:	lake loon -	Reply
Subject:	License Question
Date:	7/29/2015 11:32:09 PM

This just came up on another forum. Someone was inquiring about renting a boat on Lake Martin. I made the comment to be sure and get a boating license before their vacation. Several people responded that it's not necessary to have a license to operate a rental boat. That sounds crazy! I own a boat and have to be licensed to operate it, but someone who may have never driven a boat, but just rents it for the day doesn't? A local marina, that rents boats, even says a boating license isn't necessary for renters on their website. I don't know about y'all, but just as I don't want to share the road with a driver without a driver's license, I don't want to be out on the water with someone who might not know how to operate a boat. Any one heard of this?  

Name:	DSCR -	Reply
Subject:	License Question
Date:	7/30/2015 12:41:20 AM

Sorry, I can't answer your logical questions. But, as usual with government the licensing is not about safety, it's about money and control. And, if all the boat drivers I see out that have no clue have their license, it is useless anyway.

I still live in Ga (yeah, I'm from Alabama) and when we bought our place in 07, I went online and took the test and got my paperwork. I called around and tried to get a physical license and was told not to worry about it till I moved back and got my AL DL, then they would add the endorcement. 

I know there have been some changes with requirements vs other states requirements, but the licensing is pretty much usless anyway, IMHO

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	License Question
Date:	7/30/2015 1:13:18 AM

A non resident can operate their own boat in Alabama for up to 45 days in a calendar year without a license. Now, ask the BIG question, who counts the days?

Name:	DSCR -	Reply
Subject:	License Question
Date:	7/30/2015 9:06:08 AM

Exactly. And I TOLD them that I would bust the 45 days, lol. Didn't matter.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Thread Hijack
Date:	7/30/2015 9:50:03 AM

Just wanted to open an old can of old worms.

Proposition:

Change the system of having to take your drivers license onboard your boat.

Why not just have a drivers license printed with a big B on it to invalidate it for road use.

You could keep all your boat papers on your boats - a real convenience.

I can't believe there will be no positive responses.....much less than let's get the law passed.

Name:	LonghornBoater -	Reply
Subject:	Thread Hijack
Date:	7/30/2015 2:44:41 PM

One thing that may help longterm is that the state has begun allowing the renewal of your driver's license online.  In addition you can download a digital copy suitible for presentation durring a traffic stop onto you cell phone.  As I pretty much always take my phone on the boat, I think this will be a big conveneince for me.

Name:	LakerLaker -	Reply
Subject:	AL. License Stored On Your IPhone - Thread Hijack
Date:	7/30/2015 2:53:09 PM

I used this new online license renewal last week and it works perfect. You can also store your license on your IPone and the instructions are very simple to follow. No more carrying my license on my boats! Good For Alabama!!!!!!

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	AL. License Stored On Your IPhone - Thread Hijack
Date:	7/30/2015 2:58:14 PM

Simply memorize your DL# and you never have to worry again. They can pull your license up in seconds.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	AL. License Stored On Your IPhone - Thread Hijack
Date:	7/30/2015 3:54:23 PM

So you personally or know someone who presented a copy or gave a number to the Marine Police and all was well?

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	AL. License Stored On Your IPhone - Thread Hijack
Date:	7/30/2015 4:33:14 PM

Yes. Me. Many times in my life. Local, state, marine police have all been able to pull it up since the advent of computers. Had a fender bender, gave trooper the number and all was fine.  Technically you are supposed to have it but as long as it is valid when they pull it up no worries. They dont just look at it. They enter the number in the system because you hqbe a physical license that is suspended or even revoked. The number is what matters.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	AL. License Stored On Your IPhone - Thread Hijack
Date:	7/30/2015 7:07:14 PM

I don't think ShortyBus is capable of memorizing a number longer than 3 digits, maybe.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	AL. License Stored On Your IPhone - Thread Hijack
Date:	7/30/2015 8:15:21 PM

You may be right GF - one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor....