Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act, 1993

Functions of harbour-master, etc., where vessel in distress in harbour.

8.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), where a vessel is in distress in a harbour the harbour-master of the harbour shall have the same functions as an authorised officer has for the purposes of saving—

(a) shipwrecked persons, and

(b) the vessel and the cargo and apparel of that vessel,

and, accordingly, sections 7 and 11 shall apply with any necessary modifications.

(2) If, in relation to a harbour—

(a) the harbour-master is not present or is indisposed, or

(b) there is no harbour-master, or

(c) the Minister considers it appropriate in a particular case (including a case in respect of such periods as the harbour-master concerned may be absent or indisposed),

the Minister may give a direction that an authorised officer shall, in respect of that harbour, have the functions of a harbour-master under this section or have those functions at such times as the harbour-master is so absent or indisposed.

(3) (a) In the case of harbours which have no harbour-master, a direction under subsection (2) may be given in respect of all or one or more such harbours.

(b) The Minister may amend or revoke a direction given under subsection (2), including a direction previously amended by virtue of this paragraph.

(c) The Minister shall cause to be published in the Iris Oifigiúil a notice of every direction under this section which has been given, amended or revoked, as the case may be.

(4) This section is without prejudice to any other function of a harbour-master or to the functions of a harbour authority.