Section 21: Power of entry into vessels

21. Power of entry into vessels (1) Any officer, duly authorised by the Port Master, may enter into any vessel within the limits of a port in order to inspect the vessel’s holds, cargo, equipment and any relevant documents and also to ascertain any rates, charges, dues or fees payable in respect of any goods carried therein. (2) A master of a vessel who fails to comply with a reasonable request made by an authorised officer who has entered a vessel pursuant to subsection (1) for information or for the production of a document shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 50,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.