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Official Rhode Island Boating License Online

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Police logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

Take this Rhode Island–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Police.

Lifetime Card

Do you need to take a boaters safety course to get a Rhode Island boating license?

You need education if you will be operating a PWC or if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, and will be operating a motorized vessel over 10 hp in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Police logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1

Boat step 1

est. 2–3 mins

Sign Up

Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.

Step 2

Step 2 image

est. 3–4 hrs

Study & Pass at Your Own Pace

Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don't worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!

Step 3

Boat step 3

est. 1–5 mins

Complete Additional State Requirements

Before obtaining your certification and hitting the water, you'll need to complete your states in-person requirements.

Step 4

Boat step 4

est. 0 mins

Get on the Water!

That's it! You're ready to confidently and legally drive a boat. Also you'll now have access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products!

Do you need a Boating License in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, operating a motorized vessel over 10 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Police Requirements

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

You do not have to be a resident of Rhode Island to take this online course.

After this Course

After studying the free material and taking the Practice Exam, you are required to attend the Challenge Exam to complete your Boating safety certification.

What to Expect From the Boaters Safety Course

Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos

Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.

Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.

Comprehensive Instruction in Rhode Island boaters Safety Course

This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Rhode Island. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

Pages from a boat handbook

Learn Your Way on Any Device

Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Boat course displayed on various devices
Course outline displaying progress

Saved Progress

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.

Rhode Island Approved Boating License

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Police
235 Promenade St. Providence, RI 02908-5767

Made in the U.S.A.

This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.

Is it the Boating safety license?

Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. What you really need is the Certificate of Boating Safety Education. You can get the Certificate of Boating Safety Education by taking this boat safety course at boat-ed.com. Find out if you need the card.

Did you lose your card? Replace it here.

Get Started
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Police logo

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Rhode Island Boating FAQs

Price and Payment

How much does the Rhode Island Boat Ed Course cost?

The Rhode Island Boat Ed Course fee is $29.95.

Taking the Course

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days.

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Rhode Island Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Rhode Island to take this online course.

Course Approval and Acceptance

Is the Rhode Island Boat Ed Course approved by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Police?

The Rhode Island Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Police.

Is my Rhode Island Certificate of Boating Safety Education accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Quizzes and/or Exams

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you can take it again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

You are required to attend the Challenge Exam to complete your Boating safety certification. The practice exam found at the end of this course will help you prepare for the Challenge Exam.

About Your Certification

What is the proof of online Rhode Island Boat Ed Course completion?

Once you pay for and pass the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Completion Document. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Completion Document right then and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.

What is the permanent Rhode Island Certificate of Boating Safety Education?

The Certificate of Boating Safety Education is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Certificate of Boating Safety Education will arrive within 7–10 days after you complete all certification requirements.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents

How do I replace my Certificate of Boating Safety Education if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

To replace a lost or destroyed Certificate of Boating Safety Education, go to https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/z12r2ipl11przy0/. Please contact the state at 401-222-3070 for any questions or concerns.

We’re people, not robots.

Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!

Boat Ed Help Center

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