← Rhode Island boating laws›Boater Education Card

Rhode Island Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: Rhode Island requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born after Jan 1, 1986 operating a boat over 10 hp, and for all PWC operators regardless of age.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

Boating rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Official source: dem.ri.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering Rhode Island

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutConditional
Connecticut requires a state boating certificate (Safe Boating Certificate or CPWO) to operate any motorboat, or a sailboat 19.5 ft or longer, on state waters.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
MassachusettsConditional
Massachusetts requires a boater safety certificate to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft under the Hanson-Milone Act. The requirement has been in effect since April 1, 2026 for anyone born after January 1, 1989. People born on or before January 1, 1989 must have a certificate by April 1, 2028.
Verified Aug 27, 2026 · Source: mass.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Rhode Island boating rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.