Portsmouth Police, DEM Holding Boating Safety Tests

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Portsmouth police and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental are partnering up to offer a series of boating safety exams throughout the summer. Anyone born after 1986 is required to pass the exam in order to operate a boat and anyone looking to operate a jetski will have to take the test.

The exams will be held at the new Portsmouth Police Station at 2270 East Main Rd. on three dates throughout the summer: June 20, July 23 and August 28. All exams will be held at 6 p.m.

The exam is free and open to the public; no registration is needed. While it is recommended for anyone planning on operating a boat this summer, Portsmouth police said the subject matter could be too complex for young children to easily grasp.

Anyone planning on taking the exam is strongly encouraged to take a DEM's boating safety classroom course for a minimum of right hours total. A list of classroom locations is available on the DEM's website.

Study material is available through an online course or by calling the environmental police at 401-222-3070 for a home study packet.

On the day of the test, bring a number two pencil and a photo ID. Anyone under driving age without an ID must have a parent or guardian present.