PROVIDENCE - Environmental police officers from the Department of Environmental Management will administer a boating safety challenge exam and provide boating safety information to patrons at the Providence Boat Show later this week. Sponsored by the RI Marine Trades Association (RIMTA), the Providence Boat Show will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center from Friday, January 23 through Sunday, January 25.
"The marine trades industry is an important economic engine for our state because of the potential it has to create jobs and strengthen our tourism sector," said Governor Gina Raimondo. "Our marine economy generates more than $2 billion in direct spending each year and supports thousands of jobs in the Ocean State. Investing in water and marine-based businesses will increase opportunities to move our economy forward."
"This year's Providence Boat Show features a terrific lineup of special events, seminars and hands-on activities for the whole family," noted DEM Director Janet Coit. "Patrons can get the latest news on the Volvo Ocean Race that will be coming to Fort Adams State Park in May and see how the region's top chefs prepare the succulent fresh shellfish and fish harvested from Rhode Island waters."
There will be a secured drop box at the boat show for boat registration renewals, available at any time during the show. (Drop box renewals must be by check only.) Renewal registrations left in the drop box will be processed on Monday, January 26.
Boating Safety Information, Challenge Exam Offered
DEM's environmental police officers will host an information center at the boat show. It will feature information on boater education courses that are mandatory for all boaters born after January 1, 1986 who operate a boat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower, and for all operators, regardless of age, of personal watercraft. They will also offer safety tips, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets, provide information about boating laws and equipment requirements, and answer questions on boating, hunting, fishing, and shellfishing.
Boat show participants will have an opportunity to take the Boating Safety Challenge Exam on Saturday, January 24 from noon to 4 p.m. Environmental police officers from DEM's Division of Law Enforcement will proctor the exam. There is no fee for the exam, and pre-registration is not required. The exam takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, and people should plan to arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. to allow adequate time to complete the exam. Results will be provided by mail following the exam.
Individuals who choose to take the challenge exam for certification are advised to study the information presented in "Boat Rhode Island, A Course on Responsible Boating" and "The Handbook of Rhode Island Laws and Responsibilities." Both publications are available online on DEM's website or by contacting DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at (401) 222-3070 for the home study packet. You may also access this information through DEM's state-approved online boating safety study course at http://www.boat-ed.com/ri/index.htm. Those taking the challenge exam will need to provide a form of photo identification. A parent must be present for a child under the driving age who does not have identification.
DEM has mailed out approximately 20,000 boat registration renewal forms to boaters whose current registrations expire at the end of February. A $2 discount off the price of one admission to the Providence Boat Show is available for those purchasing tickets online at www.providenceboatshow.com. The discount does not impact the fee charged by the State of Rhode Island to register and title a boat.
DEM's online boat registration renewal service at www.ri.gov allows for registrations to be renewed via credit card. This service carries a convenience fee of between $1 and $12 depending on boat size, and can be reached through DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov. Boaters can also complete a change of address online, at no cost, at www.ri.gov/dem/boataddress.
Forms for registering and titling new boats will be available at the show and are also available on the DEM website. New boats must be registered at DEM headquarters at 235 Promenade Street in Providence.
"Rhode Island's marine fisheries are among the State's most valuable natural assets, and are a vital part of our heritage, culture and economy. Over the years DEM has worked in partnership with RIMTA on numerous efforts to promote safe and clean harbors, and we look forward to participating in this year's boat show," added DEM Director Coit.