As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings , unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

(1) ALEA. The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

Attorney's Note

Under the Alabama Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Violationup to 30 daysup to $200
For details, see Ala. Code § 13A-5-7

Terms Used In Alabama Code 33-5-3

  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
  • Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
  • Partnership: A voluntary contract between two or more persons to pool some or all of their assets into a business, with the agreement that there will be a proportional sharing of profits and losses.
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • personal watercraft: means a vessel that uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel. See Alabama Code 33-5-51
  • property: includes both real and personal property. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
(2) BOATING VIOLATION. An offense committed on the waters of this state, which does not amount to a misdemeanor or felony, and for which this chapter authorizes a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200) or a sentence for a term of imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 30 days, or both.
(10) VESSEL. Every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane, capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water, but the term does not include vessels 12 feet in length or less when used solely on farm ponds of less than 50 acres in size.
(11) WATERS OF THIS STATE. Any waters within the territorial limits of this state and the marginal sea adjacent to this state and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to and from the shore of this state. The term does not include any private pond which is not used for boat rentals or the charging of fees for fishing therein.
(6) OWNER. A person, other than a lienholder, having the property in or title to a vessel. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a vessel subject to an interest in another person, reserved or created by agreement and securing payment or performance of an obligation, but the term excludes a lessee under a lease not intended as security.
(7) PERSON. An individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity.
(8) PERSONAL WATERCRAFT. As defined under Section 33-5-51.
(5) OPERATE. To navigate or otherwise use a vessel.

(9) SECRETARY. The Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

(3) CERTIFICATE. Registration by a vessel owner , including the issuance of an identifying number awarded each vessel and the issuance of a pocket-size certificate of registration.
(4) LENGTH. The term means measured from end to end over the deck from the bow to the transom, excluding sheer bowsprits, swim platforms, or engine brackets extending from the hull.