Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-9-5. Sentinel to order ships into quarantine

The city or town council may appoint a sentinel, who shall be paid by the city or town and stationed in some convenient place on shore, or in some properly situated boat or vessel, to hail all ships or vessels which may arrive in that river, bay, or harbor; and if the sentinel shall find that any ship or vessel is subject to quarantine, he or she shall direct the commander of that ship or vessel to come to anchor within the limits of that quarantine ground, and remain there until visited by the health officer, and to place a signal in the shrouds of the vessel in a manner as to be seen at a proper distance.