Rhode Island Boater Exam

01 Certification and exemptions

• Who needs itBorn on or after 1/1/1986 and operating a motor over 10 hp; all PWC operators, any age, any state
• Passing score70% or higher
• Classroom routeMinimum 8 hours, state- and NASBLA-approved, exam at the end
• Self-study routeFree materials or a paid online course, then an in-person proctored exam
• Carry the cardCertificate must be aboard and available for inspection
• Exempt (non-PWC)Motor 10 hp or less; holder of a USCG commercial license; supervised aboard by a certified person 18+; non-resident meeting their home state's rule; resident 60 days or less; renters who complete the rental requirements
• ReciprocityOut-of-state cards accepted if NASBLA-approved; Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card accepted

02 Registration, numbering and title

• Needs a numberEvery motorized vessel on RI waters
• ExemptNon-motorized canoe / kayak / rowboat under 12 ft; out-of-state registered vessel here 90 days or less; ship's lifeboats; approved racing vessels
• Term2 years, expiring February 28
• Number placementForward half of each side, as high above the waterline as practical, reading left to right
• Number styleAt least 3-inch bold block letters, contrasting color, space or hyphen between groups — RI 3717 ZW
• DecalsTo the right of and in line with the number, both sides
• Title requiredVessels over 14 ft (not ship's tenders or non-motorized inflatables under 15 ft). Outboard engines get a one-time registration.

03 Life jackets

• Basic ruleOne USCG-approved wearable PFD per person, correct size, serviceable, readily accessible
• 16 ft and longerPlus one throwable (Type IV) device
• ChildrenUnder 13 must wear one while underway on a vessel under 65 ft, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin
• PaddlecraftEveryone in a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, sailboard or kiteboard must wear one at all times, regardless of age
• PWCEvery rider wears a PFD designed for PWC use
• Towed peopleSkiers, tubers and wakeboarders must wear one
• InflatablesApproved only for age 16+; never on a PWC or while water-skiing

04 Fire extinguishers and distress signals

• LabelMust read "Marine Type USCG Approved"
• Under 26 ftOne 5-B (none required if a fixed system is installed)
• 26 to 40 ftTwo 5-B or one 20-B; one 5-B with a fixed system
• 40 to 65 ftThree 5-B, or one 20-B plus one 5-B
• Age limitDisposable (non-rechargeable) extinguishers over 12 years old are out of service
• Distress signalsOn coastal and federally controlled waters: 3 day + 3 night signals, or 3 day/night
• Night onlyBoats under 16 ft, manually propelled boats, and non-motorized sailboats under 26 ft need 3 night signals only
• FlaresMust be dated; at least 3 unexpired aboard. Expired ones may be carried as extras.
• False distress callUp to $1,000 fine, one year jail, plus repayment of the response cost

05 Navigation lights and sound signals

• WhenSunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility
• Powerboat under 65.6 ftRed and green sidelights + white masthead light + sternlight, or an all-round white light
• Sidelight range1 mile if the boat is under 39.4 ft, otherwise 2 miles
• Sailboat under sailSidelights + sternlight, no masthead light. Under engine it is a power-driven vessel.
• AnchoredAll-round white light, except in a designated mooring area
• Rowboat / small craftAt minimum a lantern or flashlight showing a white light in time to prevent collision
• Sound deviceUnder 39.4 ft: audible ½ nautical mile, 4-second blast. 39.4–65.6 ft: whistle. 65.6 ft+: whistle and bell, audible 1 nm.

• 1 short blastI intend to pass you on my port side
• 2 short blastsI intend to pass you on my starboard side
• 3 short blastsI am operating astern propulsion (backing)
• 5+ short rapidDanger, or I do not understand / disagree with your intentions
• 1 prolonged (4–6 s)Leaving a dock, rounding a blind bend, or underway in restricted visibility

06 Right of way

• Stand-on vesselMaintains course and speed
• Give-way vesselTakes early and substantial action: slow, stop, or turn — and usually passes astern
• Meeting head-onNeither is stand-on. Both alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port.
• CrossingThe boat on your starboard is stand-on; you give way. You are stand-on for a boat on your port.
• OvertakingThe overtaking boat always gives way, even a sailboat overtaking a powerboat
• Power vs. sailPower gives way to sail, unless the sailboat is overtaking
• Everyone gives way toVessels not under command, restricted in ability to maneuver, and commercial fishing vessels engaged in fishing

07 Buoys and markers

• Red Right ReturningReturning from open sea or heading upstream, keep red markers on your starboard side
• Preferred channelRed-and-green banded. Green on top → preferred channel is to the right. Red on top → preferred channel is to the left.
• Orange circleControlled area — speed limit, no wake, no anchoring
• Orange diamondDanger — rock, shoal, stump, dam
• Orange crossed diamondExclusion — boats keep out entirely
• Orange squareInformation — directions, fuel, supplies
• White + blue bandMooring buoy
• RI fish trapsNets held up by lines of barrels and floats. Never run between the floats; give the anchor lines a wide berth.

08 Personal watercraft and towing

• EducationRequired of every PWC operator, regardless of age or residency
• HoursNo PWC operation from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise
• 200-foot ruleHeadway speed only within 200 ft of swimmers, divers, the shoreline or moored vessels
• Cut-off switchLanyard attached to the operator's person, clothing or PFD
• Leaving / returning to shoreGo directly, at headway speed, as near perpendicular to shore as possible
• Prohibited ridingWake jumping near other boats, weaving through congested traffic, chasing or harassing
• Capsized PWCRoll it upright in the direction shown on the manufacturer's decal — the wrong way floods the engine
• Towing observerA second person at least 12 years old, in addition to the operator
• Towing hoursNo towing from 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise
• Towed personMust wear a USCG-approved PFD (not an inflatable)

09 Speed, wake and restricted areas

• Harbors, inlets, ponds45 mph sunrise to sunset; 25 mph in darkness or restricted visibility
• Headway speedThe slowest speed at which you still hold steerage
• Emergency vesselsHeadway speed within 300 ft of one displaying activated emergency lights
• Your wakeYou are responsible for damage or injury your wake causes, no-wake zone or not
• Diver-down (state waters)Red flag with a white diagonal stripe; 12×12 in on the water, 18×18 in on a vessel
• Diver-down (federal)Blue-and-white International Code flag Alfa
• Stay clear of diversPowerboats keep at least 50 ft from the flag
• Naval vesselsStay 100 yards away; minimum speed within 500 yards; hail on VHF channel 16 if you must pass closer
• Also illegalRiding on gunwales or bow decking not designed for it, anchoring in a channel, tying to a navigation aid, entering a posted swimming area

10 Alcohol, accidents and enforcement

• BUI limit0.08% BAC, and it applies to powerboats, sailboats, PWCs, canoes, kayaks and water skis
• Implied consentOperating on RI waters is consent to alcohol and drug testing
• Refusing the test$300 fine, $700 assessment, 60 hours community service, one-year suspension
• First offense, 0.08–0.10$100–$250 fine, 45-day suspension, 10–60 hours community service, safety course, $500 assessment
• Child under 13 aboardUp to one year imprisonment, non-deferrable
• Operator under 21Loses the motor vehicle license for one year on top of the boating penalties
• Boater's fatigueSun, wind, noise and motion mean roughly one third the alcohol produces the same impairment as on land
• After an accidentStop, render assistance, and give your name, address and registration number in writing
• Report immediatelyDeath, disappearance, injury beyond first aid, or damage/loss over $2,000
• Written reportWithin 5 days to DEM Division of Law Enforcement, (401) 222-2284
• Reckless operationSerious bodily injury: up to 5 years. Death: up to 10 years.
• Who enforcesDEM Environmental Police, harbormasters and local police; the Coast Guard on federally controlled waters

11 Emergencies and seamanship

• CapsizingStay with the boat. Most swamped hulls float; climb on top, take a head count, signal for help.
• Cold waterRobs body heat about 25 times faster than air. Adopt the HELP position alone, or huddle as a group.
• Carbon monoxideOdorless; symptoms look like seasickness or drunkenness. Never sit on the swim platform under way.
• FuelingEveryone ashore, engine and electronics off, no smoking, ports and hatches closed, keep the nozzle in contact with the fill. Afterward: open up, run the blower 4 minutes, and sniff the bilge before starting.
• Float planLeave it with a friend or relative — not with the Coast Guard
• Capacity plateMaximum persons and weight. No plate on a small boat? Length × width ÷ 15 = number of people.
• AnchoringAlways from the bow; anchoring by the stern can swamp the boat. Let out about 7 feet of line per foot of depth.
• Running agroundStop the engine, lift the outdrive, check for leaks, shift weight away from the point of impact
• Person overboardAssign a spotter who never looks away, throw flotation immediately, approach from downwind or downcurrent, engine off at pickup
• Onboard firePut the fire downwind, cut fuel and power, aim the extinguisher at the base in a sweeping motion

12 Environment and wildlife

• No Discharge ZoneAll Rhode Island waters. Treated or untreated sewage discharge is illegal; Y-valves must be locked or sealed.
• MSDsTypes I and II treat waste; Type III is a holding tank or portable toilet emptied at a pump-out
• Oil placard5×8 in, vessels 26 ft or longer, posted near the bilge pump
• Garbage placard4×9 in, vessels 26 ft or longer on federally controlled waters
• Report a spillNational Response Center 1-800-424-8802; RI DEM (401) 222-1360
• Invasive speciesClean, drain, dry. Remove plants, drain the bilge and live well on land, never dump live bait in the water.
• Right whalesStay 1,500 ft away — required by law. Other whales: 100–600 ft.
• Seals, dolphins, turtlesStay 150 ft away

13 Boat terms and hulls

• Bow / sternFront / rear. Forward is toward the bow, aft toward the stern, amidships the middle.
• Port / starboardLeft / right when facing forward. Port takes the red light, starboard the green.
• BeamWidth at the widest point
• DraftDepth of water the boat needs to float — how far the hull reaches below the surface
• FreeboardWaterline up to the lowest point of the gunwale. Overload a boat and freeboard is what you lose first.
• GunwaleUpper edge of the side, said "gunnel." Riding on it is illegal unless it was built as a seat.
• TransomFlat panel across the stern; carries the outboard, the capacity plate and the hull number
• KeelCenterline backbone along the bottom of the hull
• UnderwayNot anchored, not made fast to shore, not aground. A boat drifting with the engine off is underway.
• Displacement hullPushes water aside. Slow, efficient, seakindly.
• Planing hullClimbs up and rides on the surface once it reaches speed
• Flat bottom vs. deep VFlat draws little water and sits steady at rest but pounds in chop; a deep V slices waves but needs more power and rolls at rest
• Hull ID number12 characters, permanently affixed to the upper starboard side of the transom

14 Engines, fuel and pre-departure

• OutboardEngine and drive in one unit hung on the transom
• InboardEngine inside the hull driving a fixed shaft; steered by a rudder
• Stern driveEngine inboard, steerable drive unit outside the transom
• Jet driveSteers only with thrust. No throttle, no steering.
• Capacity plateNear the helm or on the transom: maximum persons, weight and horsepower
• No plate?Length × width ÷ 15. A 14 by 5 boat carries four people.
• One-third ruleA third of the fuel out, a third back, a third held in reserve
• Cut-off switchFederal law since April 2021: use it on vessels under 26 ft when on plane or above displacement speed
• ChecklistWeather, fuel, battery, bilge, drain plug, lights, steering, throttle, PFDs, signals, float plan
• Brief your passengersWhere the life jackets and extinguisher are, and how to work the radio — because the operator is the person most likely to go overboard

15 Trailering, launching and retrieving

• Tongue weight5 to 10% of the total loaded trailer weight
• Weight distributionAbout 60% of the load forward of the trailer axle
• Safety chainsCrossed under the tongue, so they cradle it if the coupler lets go
• Trailer ratingMust cover boat + motor + fuel + water + gear, not just the hull
• Pre-trip checkWheel bearings (they run hot, especially after salt water), tire pressure, lights, winch strap, tie-downs
• Backing upHold the bottom of the wheel and move your hand the way you want the trailer to go. Slow, small corrections.
• Before the rampDo everything in the staging area: gear aboard, tie-downs off, drain plug in, trailer lights unplugged
• Why unplug the lightsHot bulbs crack when they hit cold water
• After retrievingPull clear of the ramp first, then secure, drain, and clean off weeds so you do not move invasive species

16 Docking, mooring and knots

• ApproachSlowly, at a shallow angle of roughly 20 to 45 degrees, heading into the wind or current when you can so it slows you instead of carrying you
• Wind setting you onStop parallel a few feet off and let it carry you in. Do not power into the dock.
• NeverFend off a moving boat with an arm or a leg. Fenders and a boat hook only.
• BowlineFixed loop that holds under load and still unties
• Clove hitchFast temporary hitch onto a piling; back it up with half hitches
• Cleat hitchOne turn around the base, figure eights over the horns, one locking turn. No more.
• Spring lineStops the boat surging forward or aft along the dock, and helps pivot off it
• Mooring buoyApproach into the wind, take the pendant to a bow cleat
• Setting the anchorPay out scope, back down gently, and watch two objects ashore. Steady bearings mean it is holding.

17 Weather

• Warning signsSudden wind shift, temperature drop, falling pressure, dark cloud building to the west, swell getting up
• Forecast under wayNOAA WX weather channels on the VHF, not Channel 16
• Small craft advisoryWind and seas hazardous to small boats. A reason to stay in.
• Caught outLife jackets on first. Then slow down, secure loose gear, close hatches, head for the nearest safe shore.
• Heavy seasTake waves on the bow at about 45 degrees at reduced speed. Beam-on is how boats roll over.
• LightningStay low and central, hands off metal and anything connected to the water
• FogSafe speed, lookout posted and listening, lights on, one prolonged blast about every two minutes under power
• Wind against tideShort, steep, stacked waves — routine at the mouth of the Bay

18 VHF radio

• Channel 16Distress, safety and calling. Monitor it. No conversation, no radio checks.
• After hailingMove to a working channel: 68, 69, 71, 72
• Coast GuardChannel 22A if no one answers on 16
• PowerUse the 1-watt setting unless you need range or it is an emergency
• MAYDAYGrave and imminent danger to life or vessel
• PAN-PANUrgent, not immediately life-threatening — controllable leak, disabled in a bad spot
• SECURITENavigational safety or weather warning
• Call orderWord three times → vessel name → position → nature of emergency → people aboard → description of the boat
• DSCThe red distress button transmits your identity and, with GPS connected, your position