Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: In Rhode Island, what most people call a “boating license” is typically a Boating Safety Education Certificate (boater education card). If you were born on or after January 1, 1986 and you want to operate a boat with more than 10 horsepower, Rhode Island law requires you to complete a Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)-approved boating safety education program and pass a test. Rhode Island also requires boating education for personal watercraft (PWC) operators.
Start by selecting a boating safety education program that is approved by Rhode Island DEM and meets NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) standards. Rhode Island recognizes NASBLA-approved boating safety courses offered by approved providers, including courses offered through organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons (America’s Boating Club), as well as other DEM-approved options.
Work through the course material and complete all required sections. In Rhode Island, the final test is typically a proctored written exam administered under the supervision of a certified instructor (meaning many “online-only” courses may be useful for studying, but not sufficient by themselves if the exam is not proctored).
After you pass, keep your completion documentation available—Rhode Island requires operators who must be certified to be able to show proof of compliance when requested by law enforcement.
After successfully completing the approved education requirement and passing the exam, Rhode Island issues a durable certificate (boater education card). When you’re operating and you fall under the education requirement, you should carry your certificate on board and be prepared to present it if asked by an authorized law enforcement officer.
Online coursework can be a convenient way to learn boating safety topics and study at your own pace. However, Rhode Island’s required exam is generally proctored. If a course claims you can earn the Rhode Island boating certificate entirely online with an unproctored test, treat that as a red flag and verify approval carefully before you rely on it for legal compliance.
In-person boating safety courses are a common path in Rhode Island, especially because they can include the required supervised testing process. These classes are typically offered by state-approved providers and boating safety organizations.
Before you enroll, confirm the course is approved for Rhode Island certification by checking:
Rhode Island generally recognizes NASBLA-approved boating safety course completion from other states. If you already hold a boater education card from another state (or a NASBLA-approved course certificate), you are typically considered compliant—especially if you meet your home state’s legal requirements.
If you’re moving to Rhode Island, new residents are commonly given a short grace period (often up to 60 days) to meet Rhode Island’s education requirement.
Non-residents who are temporarily boating in Rhode Island generally must meet the requirements of their state of legal residence. If you rent a boat in Rhode Island and you do not already meet Rhode Island’s education requirement, rental operators (“boat liveries”) may require you to complete a safety briefing and pass a short exam before operating certain motorized vessels.
Because rules can vary by craft type (especially rentals and PWCs), it’s smart to confirm requirements with the rental operator and Rhode Island’s boating law enforcement guidance before you launch.
In Rhode Island, boater education is required for:
Common exemptions and special situations can include supervised “under training” operation with a qualified adult on board, certain credentialed commercial operators, and temporary non-residents who meet their home-state requirements.
Rhode Island’s education requirement is primarily based on date of birth (for motorboats above the horsepower threshold) and on PWC operation, rather than a single universal minimum age to take a course.
For personal watercraft, Rhode Island law also includes an important age-related operating restriction: operators under 16 generally may not operate a PWC unless an adult accompanies them or they have passed an approved safety course. Because boating education rules and PWC operating rules can overlap, be sure your situation meets both requirements before operating.
If you were born on or after January 1, 1986 and you operate a boat with more than 10 horsepower in Rhode Island, you need a Rhode Island-approved boating safety education certificate (commonly called a boating license). Rhode Island also requires boating education for personal watercraft operators.
Rhode Island’s requirement is not simply “by age”—it’s tied to date of birth (for certain motorboats) and personal watercraft operation. The state’s laws also include special restrictions for younger PWC operators (including under-16 operation rules). If you’re under 18, choose an approved course provider and confirm how supervised testing and certification are handled.
Costs vary by course provider and course format. Some providers charge a fee for instruction and testing, while others may offer lower-cost options. To get an accurate number, check the price of the specific Rhode Island-approved course you plan to take.
You may be able to complete some coursework online, but Rhode Island commonly requires a proctored exam administered by a certified instructor to earn the official certificate. Before enrolling, confirm that the course is approved for Rhode Island certification and that it includes the required supervised testing process.
