Section 63: Fire on board

63. Fire on board (1) In the event of fire breaking out on board a vessel in a port, the Port Master or his authorised representative may— (a) proceed on board the vessel with such assistance and persons as he thinks fit; and (b) give such orders as seem to him necessary for— (i) scuttling the vessel or for removing the vessel or any other vessel to such place as to him seems proper to prevent danger to other vessels; and (ii) taking any other expedient measures for the protection of life, property and the environment. (2) Where orders under subsection (1) are not forthwith carried out by the owner or master of the vessel, the Port Master may proceed to carry them into effect. (3) Any expenses incurred in the exercise of the powers conferred by subsections (1) and (2) shall be recoverable by the Authority from the owner or master of the vessel. (4) The Port Master shall hold an inquiry into the circumstances leading to a fire on board a vessel in port and the actions taken. (5) For the purposes of an inquiry under subsection (4), the Port Master or his authorised representative may— (a) go on board any vessel and inspect the vessel or; (b) enter and inspect any premises, the entry or inspection of which appears to him to be necessary; (c) by notice under his hand, require the attendance of any person to give any evidence, produce any document or other things in his possession relating to the subject matter of the inquiry; (d) cause the vessel to be detained if in his opinion such detention is necessary. (6) Any person who, being notified to attend such inquiry— (a) fails to do so; (b) refuses to answer any question relating to the subject matter of the inquiry; or (c) refuses or fails to give any document or other thing, shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 10,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.