Mission Statement

The mission of Harbor Patrol is to provide for the safety of the boating public on waters located in the Town of South Kingstown, through education and enforcement of State and local boating safety laws, while assisting Federal, State, and local governmental agencies in their efforts by providing local knowledge relative to their specific water related issues. 

The Harbor Patrol Program was established in 1975 to promote public safety through enforcement of State and local laws and regulations, and to assist boaters in distress. Patrol services provided by the Harbormaster are supplemented by civilian assistant harbormasters who receive specific training in boating safety laws and procedures. The Harbormaster also manages the Town's mooring fields.

The emphasis of the Harbor Patrol program is to educate recreational boaters about the rules and regulations governing the use of Town waters in order to promote public safety and enjoyment. In addition to educating the public on boating safety, the Harbormaster also provides training to enforcement personnel; in fact, the Rhode Island Harbormasters Association has adopted the South Kingstown Marine Patrol Training Program as the model for basic training requirements for Harbormasters in the State of Rhode Island. 
 

Department Functions

Principal functions of the Harbor Patrol Program include, but are not limited to: