Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation of a Vessel

Rhode Island law provides regulations that apply to all vessel operators boating on Rhode Island waters.

The failure to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment of life, limb, or property of any other person is illegal.
It is illegal to operate a vessel within any marked restricted areas such as swimming areas.
No one may operate a vessel in any harbor, inlet, pond, or any other confined body of water in Rhode Island at a speed in excess of:
- 45 miles per hour from sunrise to sunset and …
- 25 miles per hour from sunset to sunrise or during other periods of restricted visibility such as fog

It is illegal to exceed any posted speed zones. For example, harbors may be marked as “maximum speed 5 miles per hour–no wake” zones.
It is illegal to enter any posted exclusionary zones.
You may not dock or secure your vessel to a pier, wharf, or any other shore structure without the consent of the owner of the structure except in the case of an emergency.
As an owner of a vessel, you are responsible for any damage or injury caused by the negligent operation of your vessel if it is being operated with your express or implied consent. If the vessel is being operated by an immediate family member, it is presumed that you have given consent.
Some waterways in Rhode Island may have special regulations such as horsepower restrictions, speed limits, or limits on when certain watercraft may be used. Be sure to check for special restrictions on a waterway before going boating.

Floating Fish Traps

Commercial fishermen employ floating fish traps in New England waters. Floating fish traps are a maze of vertical nets that are anchored to the water bottom and stretched to the water’s surface by attached floats. These traps can be dangerous to recreational boaters.

Boaters should learn to recognize and avoid trap nets.