It's the Law: On the Water

Enforcement

Officers of the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Police, harbormasters, and police officers have the authority to enforce the boating laws of Rhode Island. The U.S. Coast Guard also has enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.

• It is illegal to refuse to stop or move when commanded to do so by a person with enforcement authority.
• The officer has the authority to stop and board your vessel in order to check that you are complying with state and federal laws.