R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-22-3: Operation of unnumbered motorboats prohibited.

(a) Every motorboat on the waters of this state shall be numbered.

(b) No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any motorboat on those waters unless the motorboat is numbered in accordance with this chapter, or in accordance with applicable federal law, or in accordance with a federally approved numbering system of another state, and unless:

(1) The certificate of number awarded to the motorboat is in full force and effect, and

(2) The identifying number set forth in the certificate of number is displayed on each side of the bow of the motorboat.