R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-8.1-9: Inspection of boats, vessels, and vehicles.

The director shall make regular inspections of the boats, vessels, and vehicles used, or suggested of being used, in the taking possession, handling, or transporting of shellfish, and no person shall interfere with, or obstruct, the entrance of the director to any boat, vessel, or vehicle, for the purpose of making inspections, and no person shall obstruct the conduct of any inspection; provided, however, that inspections as to the taking possession and handling of shellfish shall be made only by the director or employees of the state department of environmental management. Nothing in this section shall negate or otherwise affect the authority of the department of health as granted in title 21.