Marine Unit
The Marine Unit is divided into two units: Marine East and Marine West. Officers assigned to the Marine East unit cover territory from Greenwich Bay north and over to the East Bay. Officers assigned to Marine West cover territory south of Greenwich Bay, including Jamestown.
Each unit is lead by a Lieutenant and a Sergeant. Marine officer duties include enforcing both recreational and commercial fishing, shellfishing, and lobster laws and regulations. They are responsible for patrolling the fishing ports along Rhode Island's coast, including Pt. Judith, which is one of the largest ports in the Northeast. Officers spend a great deal of patrol time afloat.
The Division of Enforcement is the lead agency in the state to enforce boating safety and to investigate recreational boat accidents. Marine officers also conduct water-based search and rescues and respond to marine animal complaints.
Marine officers provide security for Marine Safety Zones as well as for emergency closures for fishing and shellfishing. Marine officers also conduct state beach and coastal park patrols. Marine officers are assigned to teach boating safety courses. They also visit schools and attend scout meetings, fairs, and events to promote boating safety and environmental conservation.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Marine Fisheries Topics
- Marine Fisheries Regulations
- Other Fish and Wildlife Regulations
- New No-Discharge Compliance Program
- No-Discharge Certification Agents
- Shellfish Grounds, Closures and Approved Areas
- Safe Harbor Policy
- Requirements and Standards for Boats and Associated Equipment
- RI Pilotage Commission
- RI Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal Commission