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Alabama requires one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD for every person on board or being towed. Children under 8 must wear a PFD at all times (unless in an enclosed cabin). PWC operators and passengers must always wear PFDs. Boats 16 feet and longer must also carry a throwable Type IV PFD.
Learn more through the Alabama boater safety course.
Every vessel operating on Alabama waters must carry one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device (Type I, II, III, or V) for each person on board or being towed. Each PFD must be:
If your vessel is 16 feet or longer, you must also carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device on board. This is typically a ring buoy or throwable seat cushion. It must be immediately available for use—not stowed away.
Alabama law requires all children under 8 years of age to wear a properly secured, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times while on any vessel. The only exception is if the child is inside an enclosed cabin. This applies regardless of the type or size of vessel. For more on safe boating with kids, see our guide to boating with children in Alabama.
Every person on a personal watercraft—both the operator and all passengers—must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times. There is no exception for PWC. The PFD must be properly secured and designed for the activity. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for PWC use.
Anyone being towed behind a vessel (water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, etc.) must wear a properly secured U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times. The PFD must be designed for the activity and should not be a Type IV throwable device.
If you are operating a vessel within 800 feet of any hydroelectric dam or navigational lock, all persons on board must be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD. This is a mandatory wear zone regardless of age or vessel type.
Alabama accepts the following U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD types:
Older PFD labeling systems (Type I through V) are still valid in Alabama as long as the PFDs are in good condition and serviceable.
Failure to carry the required PFDs or failure to ensure children under 8 are wearing them is a boating violation. ALEA Marine Patrol officers check for PFD compliance during routine inspections and can issue citations on the spot.
Explore more Alabama boating guides:
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