How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in Rhode Island?

Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Rhode Island

General Boating Age Requirements

For traditional motorboats and powerboats, Rhode Island law focuses on horsepower and education rather than a fixed minimum age.

Key points include:

• Rhode Island does not set a specific minimum age in statute to operate a motor-powered vessel.
• Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 must successfully complete a DEM-approved boating safety education program to operate a vessel with more than 10 horsepower on Rhode Island waters.
• There is no education requirement in state law for operating boats with 10 horsepower or less, although all operators must still comply with general safety and navigation rules.
• In practice, most unsupervised youth operators will be old enough to complete and pass the written boating safety exam, even though the statute does not specify a minimum test age.

Supervision and Adult-Onboard Requirements

Rhode Island law allows supervised operation by children and newer boaters in certain situations. A person may operate a vessel without meeting the standard education requirement if:

• They are operating the vessel under training, and
• They are directly supervised on board by a person who:
  • Is at least 18 years old, and
  • Has already met the boating safety certificate requirement for operating a motorboat over 10 horsepower.

In other words, a child or beginner boater can operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower if a qualified adult is physically on board and providing direct supervision. “Adult” is effectively treated as someone age 18 or older who has the appropriate DEM-approved boating safety education.

Boating License or Education Requirements

Does Rhode Island Require a Boating Safety Course?

Rhode Island does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but it does require boating safety education for many operators. Instead of a license, successful students receive a boating safety education certificate (also called a boater education card).

A DEM-approved boating safety course is required for:

• Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 who operates a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower.
• All personal watercraft (PWC) operators, regardless of age.

The course must be approved by DEM and meet National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) standards. Instruction is often provided by DEM, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, and other approved providers. After passing, you receive a durable certificate that is valid for life and must be carried on board when required.

Boaters can find a list of approved courses and scheduling information through the Rhode Island DEM website.

Age Exceptions and Grandfather Clauses

Rhode Island’s education rules include several important exceptions and “grandfather” provisions:

• Older operators: Boat operators born before January 1, 1986 are not required by this statute to complete a boating safety course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower (unless they are operating a PWC, which always requires a course).
• Supervised operators in training: A person of any age may operate a vessel over 10 horsepower if they are under training and directly supervised on board by an 18+ operator who already meets the education requirement.
• Commercially licensed mariners: Individuals who hold a valid commercial vessel operator’s license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, a state, or a province are exempt from the recreational boating safety course requirement.
• Non-resident boaters: Visitors are generally exempt if they meet the boating education requirements of their home state, subject to Rhode Island’s reciprocity rules.
• New residents: New Rhode Island residents typically have a 60-day grace period to meet the education requirement after moving to the state.
• Renters: If you rent a motorboat over 10 horsepower and do not already meet the education requirement, the livery (rental business) must have you watch a short instructional video approved by DEM and pass a written examination before you operate the vessel.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski (PWC) in Rhode Island?

Minimum Age to Operate a PWC

Rhode Island applies stricter rules to personal watercraft, such as jet skis, than to other motorboats.

Key points include:

• Boating safety course required: Any person operating a PWC in Rhode Island must successfully complete a DEM-approved boating safety education program and carry proof of completion on board.
• Under 16 restrictions: A separate Rhode Island statute states that no person under 16 years of age may operate a PWC on state waters unless:
  • They are accompanied by an adult, or
  • They have passed a DEM- or U.S. Coast Guard–approved boating safety course.
• Horsepower considerations: Because PWCs are almost always powered by engines well over 10 horsepower, they always fall under both the general horsepower-based education requirement and the specific PWC education rule.
• Time-of-day limits: It is illegal to operate a PWC between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
• Distance and speed limits: PWC operators must proceed at headway (slow, no-wake) speed within 200 feet of swimmers, divers, shore, or moored vessels and when leaving or approaching shore.

Penalties for Violating Age Laws

Operating a boat or PWC without meeting Rhode Island’s education and age rules can result in enforcement action. Possible consequences include:

• Education-based penalties: For violating the boating safety education requirements, state law provides that:
  • A first offense generally requires completion of an approved boating safety course.
  • A second offense may result in a monetary fine of up to a set statutory amount, in addition to any education requirements.
• Citations and fines: Operators can be ticketed for failing to carry their boater education certificate, not wearing required life jackets on PWCs, or disregarding PWC distance and speed limits.
• Additional violations: Reckless operation, boating under the influence (BUI), or ignoring safety zones can lead to higher fines, possible criminal charges, and suspension of boating privileges.

Specific fines and penalties can vary, and courts may consider prior violations and the severity of the conduct.

How to Get Certified to Drive a Boat in Rhode Island

Steps to Getting Your Boating License

To legally operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower (if born on or after January 1, 1986) or any PWC in Rhode Island, follow these steps:

• 1. Take an approved boating safety course.
  Enroll in a DEM-approved boating safety course. Options may include:
  • In-person classroom courses hosted by DEM or partner organizations.
  • Hybrid or online study programs with a required proctored final exam.
  • Challenge exams for experienced boaters who wish to test out, when offered.
• 2. Study and pass the final exam.
  The written exam typically includes at least 25 questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70%. Topics cover navigation rules, required equipment, state-specific regulations, and safe operating practices.
• 3. Receive your boating safety education certificate.
  After passing, you’ll receive a durable education certificate or card issued under DEM authority. This card:
  • Serves as proof that you have met Rhode Island’s education requirement.
  • Is generally valid for life.
  • Must be carried on board whenever you operate a vessel that requires it.
• 4. Carry proof while operating a boat.
  Rhode Island law requires that you present your boating safety education certificate to law enforcement upon request. Keep it with you whenever you operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or any PWC.

Recademics, as an approved boating-education provider, can help Rhode Island boaters complete the required course content and prepare for any DEM-mandated proctored exam.

Boating Safety Tips for Young Operators

• Always wear a life jacket.
  Rhode Island requires children under 13 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket when underway on most vessels, and all PWC operators and passengers must wear life jackets at all times. Wearing a properly fitted PFD is one of the simplest ways to stay safe on the water.
• Never operate without required adult supervision.
  If you are a youth operator, make sure you only operate a boat or PWC under the supervision conditions allowed by law—especially when you are under 16 or still learning.
• Learn navigation rules and right-of-way basics.
  Understanding who has the right-of-way, how to pass and overtake other boats, and what different buoys and markers mean will help prevent collisions and close calls.
• Take your boating safety course early.
  Completing your boating safety education as soon as you qualify will:
  • Help you become a more confident and responsible operator.
  • Allow you to legally operate a wider range of boats sooner.
  • Teach you Rhode Island-specific rules, including PWC limitations and equipment requirements.
• Know Rhode Island’s special rules.
  Pay attention to:
  • PWC time-of-day limits (no operation between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise).
  • Headway-speed zones near shorelines, swimmers, and moored vessels.
  • Local ordinances restricting PWC use on certain ponds or smaller waterbodies.
• Avoid alcohol and distractions.
  Just like on the road, operating under the influence or while distracted greatly increases the risk of accidents. Young operators should keep their full attention on the water.

Summary

In Rhode Island, there is no single fixed minimum age to drive a boat. Instead, the key rules are:

• Motorboats over 10 horsepower: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 must complete a DEM-approved boating safety course to operate independently. Children of any age may operate only if they are under training and directly supervised by a qualified adult on board.
• Personal watercraft (PWCs): All PWC operators must complete an approved boating safety course, and separate rules restrict operators under 16 unless they are accompanied by an adult or have completed an approved course. Additional speed, distance, and time-of-day limits apply.
• Education certificate: Rhode Island uses a boating safety education certificate rather than a traditional license; the card is typically valid for life and must be carried on board when required.

For families and young boaters in Rhode Island, the safest path is to complete an official boating education program early and always follow DEM rules on supervision, life jackets, and PWC operation. Recademics can help you meet Rhode Island’s boating education requirements so you can enjoy the water legally and safely.