MONTGOMERY, Ala– The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is reminding the public about the long-standing permit process required for fishing tournaments and other marine events on the state’s waterways.

ALEA says the Marine Patrol Division has not changed its procedures. Marine event permits have been required for decades under Alabama law, and the rules have remained the same since 1994. But a triple fatality on Smith Lake earlier this year has increased awareness, leading more organizers to request guidance on the existing requirements.

The agency says permits are free, available online, and must be submitted at least 15 days before an event so law enforcement and emergency crews can prepare. ALEA processed 154 marine event permits in fiscal year 2025, including 80 fishing tournaments. The only applications denied were those submitted too late.

Officials are also reminding all boaters to be properly licensed and follow boating regulations, whether they are part of a permitted event or not.

The permit application and instructions are available at alea.gov.