Section 150: Powers of Director

150. Powers of Director (1) The Director may— (a) give directions in relation to any salvage operation; and M62 – 75 [Issue 2] Merchant Shipping Act (b) take measures in accordance with generally recognised principles of international law to protect the environment from pollution following a maritime casualty, or acts relating to such casualty which may reasonably be expected to result in harmful consequences. (2) The Director shall, in exercising his powers under subsection (1), take into account the need for co-operation between salvors, other interested parties and the public authorities in order to ensure the efficient and successful performance of salvage operations and to prevent damage to the environment. (3) Any public officer or other person acting under directions pursuant to subsection (1) shall be under a duty to exercise due care in preventing or minimising damage to the environment.