250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-2.9

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-90-00-2.9 - Party and Charter Licenses

A. Applicability: All party and charter boats carrying recreational passengers to take, or attempt to take, marine fish upon the navigable State and coastal waters of Rhode Island shall be required to obtain a Rhode Island party and charter boat license.

B. Eligibility: To obtain a license, the owner of a qualified vessel must apply to DEM on forms as prescribed by the Director. The following information must be submitted with a completed application form:

1. A current copy of the operator's United States Coast Guard license to carry passengers for hire.

2. A current copy of the vessel's "Certificate of Documentation" certifying that the vessel is documented "Coastwise", or if the vessel is under five (5) net tons, a copy of the vessel's State registration.

3. Proof that the operator and crew are currently enrolled in a random drug testing program that complies with the Federal Government's 46 C.F.R. § 16.101et seq. "Drug Testing Program" Regulations; and

4. A signed, license-application form certifying that the vessel is, and will be, operated in compliance with all State and Federal safety Regulations for the vessel.

C. Annual Fee

1. Resident: One hundred dollars ($100.00)

2. Non-resident: Three hundred dollars ($300.00)

D. Expiration: December 31 annually

E. Party or charter vessel reporting

1. Trips made as a party or charter vessel shall be logged and submitted electronically in SAFIS.

2. Trips shall be logged prior to the termination of the trip and submitted electronically within forty-eight (48) hours of the end of the trip. Trip elements shall include, but are not limited to:

a. Trip date

b. Area fished

c. Gear type(s) fished

d. Quantity of gear fished

e. Number of anglers on trip

e. Fishing time

f. Pounds or count of species caught

g. Disposition

3. In years when no party or charter trips were made, at least one (1) negative report must be submitted.

4. Failure to submit reports shall result in one (1) of the following actions: license suspension, revocation, or ineligibility to renew.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-2.9

Adopted effective 7/1/2022
Amended effective 1/1/2023
Amended effective 1/1/2024