Power to board vessel
29C Power to board vessel
A person in charge of a vessel in a harbor or port must, at the request of an authorised officer, permit the officer—
to board the vessel; and
to inspect the vessel and its cargo; and
to carry out on the vessel any investigation necessary to ensure that the vessel and the business in the course of which the vessel is being used is being operated lawfully.
If there is no-one on board a vessel to whom a request may be given under subsection (1), the authorised officer may board the vessel and cause the vessel to be moved as the officer thinks fit.
Any costs incurred by an authorised officer under subsection (2) are recoverable as a debt from the owner of the vessel.
A person who fails to comply with a request under this section is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: $5 000.
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