NorthWick Boatyard

Rhode Island sets no general minimum age for operating a motorboat alone. A child may operate a boat other than a personal watercraft alone with a boating safety certificate; without one, the child must be directly supervised onboard by someone age 18 or older who meets the education requirement. A certificate is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 who operates a vessel with more than 10 horsepower, and for every personal watercraft operator regardless of age. DEM says a certified child under 16 may operate a personal watercraft. Rental operators set their own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (dem.ri.gov)

Yes. Rhode Island requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born January 1, 1986 or later who operates a vessel with more than 10 horsepower, and for every personal watercraft operator regardless of age or residency. DEM sets no age limit for its exam; a child may operate a non-PWC alone if certified, and someone under 16 may operate a PWC if certified. Exemptions include supervised training with a qualified adult age 18 or older, valid commercial operator licenses, temporary nonresidents meeting their home state’s requirements, and new residents for 60 days. Renters of boats over 10 horsepower who otherwise do not qualify must watch a DEM-approved safety video and pass a written exam. DEM administers certification.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (dem.ri.gov)

From North Kingstown, you can cruise Wickford Harbor, Allen Harbor and the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. Wickford offers close-in boating through a buoyed channel and breakwaters, but flats border the inner route; the middle and southern parts of the outer harbor provide anchorage. Allen Harbor is naturally sheltered and has a year-round public ramp with parking. The West Passage is the open-water choice for heading into the wider bay. Trailer boats can also launch at Wilson Park for access to Wickford Cove.

Source: Town of North Kingstown (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From North Kingstown, three practical Narragansett Bay day trips are Dutch Island Harbor, Potter Cove on Prudence Island, and Bristol Harbor. Dutch Island Harbor offers easy access, excellent anchorage and a recognized harbor of refuge. Potter Cove is a small, nearly landlocked harbor that draws gatherings of boats around Prudence Island. Bristol Harbor is the shore stop, with town docks a short walk from historic shops and restaurants in the heart of Bristol.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)