How to Get a Boating License in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires boating education for certain operators. Those born after January 1, 1986 who operate vessels with motors greater than 10 horsepower must obtain a Rhode Island Boating Safety Certificate. Additionally, all personal watercraft operators are required to hold the credential, regardless of age or birth year. Individuals should confirm their specific eligibility requirements by consulting the official Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Law Enforcement, Boating Safety Program page.
To obtain the certificate, an operator must complete an approved course and pass an examination. The state accepts NASBLA-approved courses that meet a minimum of eight hours of instruction. Alternatively, an operator may take the Rhode Island Boating Safety Challenge Exam and score 70 percent or higher to earn the certificate without completing the full course. Once obtained, the certificate must be carried on the vessel while operating.
Individuals seeking current information about approved course providers and specific regulatory requirements should visit the official Rhode Island DEM Boating Safety Program page to confirm the most up-to-date course list and regulations.
- Confirm whether you're in the population this state covers (cutoff / age band).
- Take the accepted course: Rhode Island Boating Safety Certificate (state- and NASBLA-approved course, min 8 hrs, or the RI Boating Safety Challenge Exam at 70%+).
- Pass the test and receive your card or certificate.
- Carry it aboard whenever you operate, and confirm the current rule on the official state page.
Carry the card every time you operate
Once you’ve earned the card, keep it aboard whenever you operate — many states require you to show it on request, and a card from one state is usually honored in another. If you’ll boat across state lines, check each state’s rule, since the covered ages and accepted credentials differ. Always confirm the current requirement on the official state agency page.
Course & fees for Rhode Island → · Full requirements →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Rhode Island DEM, Division of Law Enforcement (Environmental Police) - Boating Safety Program page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.