R.I. Government Agencies | Privacy Policy |
How do I get on the waiting list for a town mooring or space at the town wharf?
What Mooring Service Providers are authorized by the Harbor Division?
I don't have a boat anymore - can I let my friend use my mooring?
Why can't I let my friend use my mooring if I don't need it?
I just bought a new boat and don't have a place to keep it - what do you suggest?
I am buying a larger boat - Can I keep it on my old mooring?
I just bought a house that comes with a "deeded" mooring. What do I do?
If my boat breaks down , will the Harbormaster to tow me in?
What happens if I don't use my mooring in accordance with the Harbor Management Plan?
1. How do I get a mooring in North Kingstown?
Wickford Harbor and Allen Harbor have been full for many years. Both maintain Waiting Lists. Mooring space in other town waters is also extremely tight and is further limited by requirements of parking and dinghy storage. Some commercial rentals may be available. Do NOT purchase a boat assuming that you will be able to get a mooring.
2. How do I get on the Waiting List for a town mooring or space at the town wharf?
Simply call the Harbormasters' office at (401)-294-3316 ext 255 and ask for an application. There is a one-time fee of $5.00.Persons on the Waiting List must reapply every May to remain on the list.
3. Does the Town maintain any transient moorings?
Yes. We currently have four new moorings (500lb) located just inside the southern breakwater. The mooring balls are bright orange and are clearly marked. They are available at no charge. Maximum use is 24 hours. They are on a first-come first-served basis and are intended for the use of visitors who do not have a local mooring or slip. We also hope to have several additional transient moorings located just outside the breakwater in the near future.
4. What Mooring Service Providers are authorized by the Harbor Division?
Currently, there are four: Pleasant Street Wharf (401)-294-2791; Rhode Island Mooring Services (401)-295-2502; The Mooring Man.com (401)-828-2393; and Shoreline Diving Services (401)-295-2801.No. Mooring rentals have not been allowed for many years.
6. I don't have a boat anymore - can I let my friend use my mooring?
No. Mooring permits are issued for the exclusive, personal use of the permittee, for a boat registered in his/her name.
7. Why can't I let my friend use my mooring if I don't need it?
The demand for moorings far outstrips the available supply. The Harbor Management Plan requires that you have a boat registered in your name AND that you use the mooring for that boat. If you no longer have a boat or a need for a mooring, the space will pass to the next family on the waiting list.
8. How often does my mooring need to be inspected?
All moorings must have a full inspection every three years. This means lifting the actual anchor for visual examination. This must be done by an authorized mooring service provider, with documentation provided to the Harbormaster. Self inspections are not allowed.
9. What size mooring do I need for my boat?
The requirements for mooring tackle are specified in the Harbor Regulations . Many have observed that the requirements are conservative - often people opt to increase their tackle.
Click here for Mooring Requirements
10. I just bought a new boat and don't have a place to keep it - what do you suggest?
NEVER buy a boat without knowing where you will be keeping it. We get calls all year with this question. Mooring fields and marinas throughout the State are full.
11. I am buying a larger boat - Can I keep it on my old mooring?
It is impossible to know whether a larger boat will fit until you try it. If your new boat interferes with other boats around it - It doesn't fit! While the Harbor Division will make every effort to accommodate reasonable requests, we cannot guarantee a place for your larger boat. We will not allow a larger boat to impair the safety or comfort of surrounding moorings. Do NOT buy a bigger boat unless you are certain it will fit! See Harbor Regulations addressing this issue
12. I used to have a 35' boat on my mooring. For several years now I have had a 20' boat. Can I go back to a 35' boat?
Probably not. Mooring fields are constantly changing. Space that is not used generally gets absorbed by the mix of boats around it. We do not reserve space that is not being used..
13. I just bought a house that comes with a "deeded" mooring. What do I do?
There is no such thing as a "deeded" mooring. Moorings are located in Federal navigable water which is part of the Public Trust. Mooring space cannot be owned, sold, transferred or otherwise controlled by private parties.
14. If my boat breaks down , will the Harbormaster to tow me in?
The Harbor Division is not a towing service. If called, we will respond as good Samaritans and will attempt to help you. If the situation is stable, we will contact a commercial tower or friend for you. We will standby until the situation is resolved. If circumstances require emergency intervention we will respond to the best of our abilities, keeping in mind the limitations of our equipment, operators, weather, and sea conditions.
15. Can I install my mooring myself?
No. Moorings must be installed by an authorized Mooring Service Provider. Why? Proper mooring installation requires heavy equipment and professional experience. It has taken many years to upgrade the condition of all town moorings - this is for the benefit of everyone. Do-it -yourself moorings can be a hazard to everyone.
16. When does my child need to wear his/her life jacket?
Rhode Island law requires all children aged 10 and under to wear a life jacket while on a vessel under 26'.
17. Do I need a certificate to operate a motorboat?
All persons born after January 1, 1986, must receive a safe boating certificate from DEM, if they wish to operate a motor boat greater than 10 horsepower. Courses are available from several sources.
18. Do I need a license to operate a Personal Watercraft?
Yes. All persons regardless of age must complete a safe boating course and have their certificate with them at all times, while operating a PWC.
19. Will my mooring hold my boat during a hurricane?
No. Moorings are intended to hold your boat during a wide variety of normal storm activity. If you leave your boat on a mooring during a hurricane, it will likely not survive.
20.What happens if I don't use my mooring in accordance with the Harbor Management Plan?
It is the policy of the Harbor Division to notify permittees in writing if their usage contradicts the regulations. They will be given every opportunity to correct the situation. If , in the end, the permittee is unwilling or unable to comply, the mooring permit will not be renewed the following year
