R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-9-16: Examination of vessel — Guards to prevent unauthorized communication.

The city or town council of the city or town where a vessel as described in this chapter arrives shall send a physician or other suitable person to examine and report to them of the true state of that vessel and the people on board, at the charge of the master or owner of that vessel; and they shall immediately put on board that vessel some suitable person or persons to secure that vessel and effectually prevent any communication with that vessel, at the like charge of the master or owner of that vessel.