PWC Safety Regulations - Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island requires anyone operating a personal watercraft to pass a Department of Environmental Management approved or United States Coast Guard approved safety course.

Personal watercrafts are not to be operated between ½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise.

It is not permitted to operate a personal watercraft within two hundred feet (200') of swimmers, divers, shore, or moored vessels, except at headway speed. Launching from or returning to shore should also be at headway speed and perpendicular to shore.

Inflatable PFD are not acceptable when operating a PWC; Type I, II, or III USCG approved life jackets are required by everyone riding or being towed as is lanyards attached to the kill switches and to the operators person.

Being prepared means knowing the Rhode Island state and federal regulations and following them. Doing this will help to keep everyone safe and having fun. Remember to have your PWC ready for the day by having it registered, licensed and insured.