R.I. Gen. Laws § 47-2-8: Deputy sealers.

The different town councils of the several towns, and the city councils of cities, may appoint, upon recommendation of their respective town or city sealers, one or more persons as deputy sealers of their town or city, who shall assist the town or city sealer and, in the absence from duty of the town or city sealer, shall perform all the duties of town or city sealer as may be required of them for the time being.