Rhode Island § 46-22-14 - Regulation of Boats

§ 46-22-14. Local regulation.

(a) The provisions of this chapter, and of other applicable laws of this state, shall govern the operation, equipment, numbering, and all other matters relating thereto whenever any vessel shall be operated on the waters of this state, or when any activity regulated by this chapter shall take place thereon; but nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the adoption of any ordinance or local law relating to operation and equipment of vessels, the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of this chapter, amendments thereto, or regulations issued thereunder; provided, that the ordinances or local laws shall be operative only so long as and to the extent that they continue to be identical to provisions of this chapter, amendments thereto, or regulations issued thereunder.

(b) Any subdivision of this state may, at any time, but only after public notice, make formal application to the department of environmental management for special rules and regulations with reference to the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits, and shall set forth therein the reasons which make those special rules or regulations necessary or appropriate.

(c) The department of environmental management is hereby authorized to make special rules and regulations, not inconsistent with chapter 9 of this title or the rules and regulations issued thereunder, with reference to the operation of vessels not more than sixty-five feet (65′) in length on any waters within the territorial limits of any subdivision of this state.