RI · State boating guide

Rhode Island
boating laws

Last verified October 28, 2026

At a glance

Boater card: Required for specified operators; Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 operating a vessel with more than 10 hp, and every PWC operator regardless of age. Exempt (non-PWC): operators supervised aboard by someone 18+ who meets the requirement, USCG/state commercial license holders, non-residents meeting their home-state rules, new residents within 60 days, and renters who watch the livery video and pass its test.
Operating age: Rhode Island law sets no minimum operator age; the course requirement is the gate (anyone born on or after 1/1/1986 for over 10 hp, and all PWC operators).
Life-jacket age rule: Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway on a recreational vessel under 65 feet, unless below deck or in a closed cabin.
BUI / BAC limit: 0.08 BAC
Registration fee: $10.00–$620.00; Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
Registration term: 2 years

The short answer

Do I need a boating license in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island Boating Safety Certificate (DEM certificate of completion) is required for Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 operating a vessel with more than 10 hp, and every PWC operator regardless of age. Exempt (non-PWC): operators supervised aboard by someone 18+ who meets the requirement, USCG/state commercial license holders, non-residents meeting their home-state rules, new residents within 60 days, and renters who watch the livery video and pass its test.

Confirm with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) ↗

Rhode Island requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 to pass a NASBLA-approved boating safety course before operating a boat with more than 10 hp, and every PWC operator needs the course regardless of age. Motorboats are registered with the RI Department of Environmental Management every two years, with fees by length starting at $32. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on boats under 65 feet, and the legal limit is 0.08 BAC.

Before you operate

Boater education & operating age

Rhode Island boater education requirements
Requirement	Details
Education required	Yes — see who needs a card below
Who needs a card	Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 operating a vessel with more than 10 hp, and every PWC operator regardless of age. Exempt (non-PWC): operators supervised aboard by someone 18+ who meets the requirement, USCG/state commercial license holders, non-residents meeting their home-state rules, new residents within 60 days, and renters who watch the livery video and pass its test.
Card or certificate	Rhode Island Boating Safety Certificate (DEM certificate of completion)
Minimum operating age	Rhode Island law sets no minimum operator age; the course requirement is the gate (anyone born on or after 1/1/1986 for over 10 hp, and all PWC operators).
Out-of-state cards	Anyone holding a certificate from any NASBLA-approved course is considered in compliance and can request a Rhode Island certificate; non-residents may follow their home state's rules.

Find an officially approved course

Your boat’s paperwork

Boat registration & fees

Motorboats and PWC, plus sailboats, rowboats 12 feet or longer and any motorized canoe or kayak, used on Rhode Island waters. Boats registered in another state may use RI waters for up to 90 days. Registration is biennial (registration year runs March 1 to the end of February); boats over 30 feet may pay half the biennial fee yearly. Outboard motors are registered separately, and boats sold after January 1, 1989 need a title.

1-15 ft$32.00
16-20 ft$42.00
21-25 ft$66.00
26-30 ft$108.00
31-35 ft$212.00
36-40 ft$264.00
41-45 ft$316.00
46-50 ft$418.00
Over 50 ft$620.00
Registration transfer (change of owner)$10.00

Registration fee data and sources

Rhode Island registration fees · USD
Boat / fee category	Fee	Term	Source
1-15 ft	$32.00	2 years	Official source: 1-15 ft ↗
16-20 ft	$42.00	2 years	Official source: 16-20 ft ↗
21-25 ft	$66.00	2 years	Official source: 21-25 ft ↗
26-30 ft	$108.00	2 years	Official source: 26-30 ft ↗
31-35 ft	$212.00	2 years	Official source: 31-35 ft ↗
36-40 ft	$264.00	2 years	Official source: 36-40 ft ↗
41-45 ft	$316.00	2 years	Official source: 41-45 ft ↗
46-50 ft	$418.00	2 years	Official source: 46-50 ft ↗
Over 50 ft	$620.00	2 years	Official source: Over 50 ft ↗
Registration transfer (change of owner)	$10.00	2 years	Official source: Registration transfer (change of owner) ↗

Published registration fees in USD. Bar lengths compare the listed amounts; terms and official sources appear in the data table below.

Registration details from the agency

Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules

Every PWC operator, regardless of age, must have passed an approved boating safety course.
Everyone on a PWC must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
The engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the operator.
No PWC operation from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
Headway speed only within 200 feet of swimmers, divers, the shoreline or moored vessels; no unnecessary wake jumping or weaving.

Towing & watersports

No towing skiers, tubes or boards from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
An observer at least 12 years old must be aboard in addition to the operator.
Anyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
The tow may not be steered so the towed person strikes any object or person.

Life jacket rules

Carry a USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard.
Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway on a recreational vessel under 65 feet, unless below deck or in a closed cabin.
Everyone on a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, sailboard or kiteboard must wear a life jacket while underway.
Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry a throwable device.
Everyone on a PWC and anyone being towed must wear a life jacket.

Boating under the influence

Published limit: 0.08 BAC. Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.

At a glance

Boater education applies to anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 running more than 10 hp.
Every jet ski driver needs the course, regardless of age.
Registration is every two years, from $32.
Out-of-state boats get 90 days before needing RI registration.
Paddlers of every age must wear a life jacket.

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