June 29, 2009 boaterexam.com is now available in Alabama, the only state in the U.S. that requires a boating license.

Birmingham, AL - Alabama is the latest state to launch the new BoaterExam interactive boater education course as an online option to obtain the Alabama vessel operator’s license.  Now, Alabama residents will have access to an animated and narrated course they can take online when it’s convenient for them. This boating education course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), recognized by the US Coast Guard and covers 100 percent of the state’s exam requirements.

“We are extremely excited about this new course process,” said Kerry Moher, vice president, BoaterExam.com. “The study guide has more than 150 animations and practice quizzes that will better prepare students to successfully complete the final exam.”

BoaterExam.com course participants learn about boat classifications, hull designs, motors, legal requirements for registration and equipment, navigation rules, basic safety regulations and waterway marking systems all in a narrative fashion with more than 300 original illustrations and 150 animated video clips. Each of the courses’ seven chapters is followed by chapter summaries and practice quizzes. Students also have access to BoaterExam.com’s industry exclusive toll-free customer service help line (1-866-764-2628) from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (central), seven days a week.

All persons 12 years of age and older who operate a motorized vessel on Alabama waters are required to have their Alabama Vessel License (also referred to as the Alabama Boat Operator's Certificate or Alabama Boating License, which appears as a "V" class on your driver's license). The operator certification must be in possession at the time of operation.

“Online education programs such as BoaterExam.com provide an opportunity for people to be trained and educated in boating safety techniques through an online study guide that is animated and narrated,” said Gail Kulp, Education Director - National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

The BoaterExam.com course and final exam is free: students pay a one-time fee of $29.95 only when they pass the final exam to obtain their official results. Once students pass the Boater Exam, a Course Completion Certificate is issued by the Alabama Marine Police within 1-2 weeks. Students then bring the resulting Certificate to their local Department of Public Safety, Driver’s License Examiner’s Office to have a boating license endorsement (“V” Class) placed on their driver’s license. Passing a boater education course may also result in a discount for boat or personal watercraft insurance. For complete Alabama boating regulations visit www.outdooralabama.com . For more information on the new BoaterExam Alabama course, visit www.boaterexam.com/usa/alabama.