Rhode Island General Laws Title 46. Waters and Navigation § 46-22.1-6. Hull identification number of vessel

(a) Every vessel whose construction began after October 31, 1972 shall have a hull identification number assigned and affixed as required by the federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, 46 U.S.C. § 1451 et seq. The department shall determine the procedures for application and issuance of the hull identification number for homemade boats.

(b) A person may not destroy, remove, alter, cover, deface, or mutilate the manufacturer's hull identification number, the plate bearing it, or any hull identification number the department assigns to any vessel without the departments' permission.

(c) A vessel owner who is assigned a “R.I.Z.” hull identification number for his or her homemade boat must permanently affix the number to his or her vessel. He or she shall carve, burn, stamp, emboss, mold, bond, or otherwise permanently affix the number to the exterior starboard side of the transon, and place the number at a second location known only to him or her. The number shall be no less than one-quarter ( 1/4 ) of an inch high.