R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-9-1: Appointment of seaport health officers — Duties and compensation.

Each seaport city or town, or the city or town council of each seaport city or town, may appoint a health officer for the city or town who shall visit all vessels which shall be subject to examination of quarantine, and carry into execution all regulations established by the city or town council, and shall be at all times accountable to the city or town council, and shall receive for his or her services compensation that the council may allow, to be paid by the owners, agents or commanders of any vessels that may be subjected to quarantine or examination.