DMV.com - your advisor for Rhode Island DMV issues (not from Rhode Island? Select another state)

How to Apply For a Boating License in Rhode Island

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Rhode Island requires a Boater Safety Education Certificate for boaters, not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The card is mandatory for all persons born after January 1, 1986 who wishes to operate any vessel exceeding 10 horsepower and for anyone (regardless of age) who wishes to operate a personal watercraft.

There is no restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 13 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult, over 18 years of age.

The boating laws of the state require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% and if arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of such convictions.

EXEMPTIONS

The following persons are exempt from the above requirements:

  • Persons operating a vessel under training under the supervision of someone 18 years of age or above who is in possession of the Boater Safety Education Certificate.
  • Persons possessing a valid commercial vessel operator's license issued by the US Coast Guard, a state or a province.
  • Non-residents of this state temporarily visiting its waters and who meet the requirements of boaters in their respective states of residence.

BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, or pass an approved equivalency test.

In an approved course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience.

There are various ways to get certified to operate a boat or personal watercraft:
  1. The classroom options courses offered by the state are the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Coast Power Squadron or similar courses approved by NASBLA. The Community College of Rhode Island offers state approved courses. US Power Squadron and US Coast Guard Auxiliary sponsor classes which are conducted at various locations throughout the state throughout the year.
    • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
    • The courses taught by the State are free. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary charges a fee of $15 for materials.
    • U.S. military bases may charge a small fee. You may take a course on a military base only if you have base privileges.
    • To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
  2. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you within 45 days.
    • Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
  3. Online options are offered by Boat Ed, US Coast Guard website, BoatWise and Boat U.S. Foundation.
  4. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete.
  5. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
  6. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you within 45 days.
  7. Home study courses are also available where the course materials will be mailed to you. Anyone attending the Boating Safety Course is required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of study approved by the NASBLA. Online and home study courses must be certified by taking a challenge exam approved by an instructor.

RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, contact the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management with proof of course completion. Students who took the exam online may obtain a duplicate card by contacting their providers, and for a fee - check the providers' websites for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Rhode Island, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or someone operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
  • Read the course material for the Boater Education Course.
  • See how to register your boat in Rhode Island.
  • Check the contact information of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.