Ala. Code § 33-3-5
The Harbor Master and his or her deputy harbor masters shall be subject to removal by the director for cause. Before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, they shall execute to the State of Alabama a bond, to be approved by the Director, in amounts to be fixed by the director of the Alabama State Port Authority, for the faithful performance of their duties. The Harbor Master in person or by a deputy harbor master shall have the authority, but not the obligation, to board each vessel entering the harbor, as defined in this chapter, to the limits of the jurisdiction of the Alabama State Port Authority to satisfy himself or herself that such vessel is complying with the laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the harbor and port and to obtain data for his or her record; and he or she shall keep a record of all vessels, barges, and tugboats arriving and sailing from port in foreign and coastwise trade. All vacancies as may occur shall be filled by the director, and he or she may appoint such other deputies as the business of the port may require, after examination as to their qualifications. They are to be appointed on probation for a period of 90 days, and thereafter, if found to be competent they shall become full-time employees upon their giving bond as may be required by the director. The Harbor Master and deputy harbor masters shall be subject to call at any time, day or night, to perform any duties required of them, weather conditions permitting.
Ala. Code § 33-3-5 (1975)