R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-12.3-1

The superior court shall have jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this chapter. Venue shall exist in the county where the plaintiff is located or in Providence County, at the election of the plaintiff. A civil action may be instituted by the attorney general or by any person, corporation, partnership, or other business entity for damages sustained as a result of a violation of the provisions of chapter 9 or 9.1 of title 46, regarding the obligation of a vessel to have a licensed pilot on board prior to entering a navigable waterway of the state, or chapter 12 of title 46, regarding water pollution, or any violation of any permit, rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant thereto by the owner, operator, and/or his or her or its agent of a seagoing vessel, as defined in § 46-9-2, or as a result of the negligence of the owner, operator, or agent.