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 residents in the area may visit frequently.

Residents 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's license.

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

To access the current schedule, go to https://www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol.

For more information, or to enroll in a class, contact the marine patrol instructor via the email provided on the schedule. A one-time application fee of $5 will be charged. There is a $36.25 issuance fee for the license.