Harbours Act, 1946

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Power of harbour master to give certain directions.

67.—(1) The harbour master of a harbour may, subject to any bye-laws in force in relation to the harbour, give to the master of a vessel using the harbour, such directions in connection with the user of the harbour as the harbour master thinks proper for the purpose of protecting persons and property or regulating traffic and, in particular, for the following purposes:

(a) regulating the time at which and the manner in which the vessel may enter into, go out of or lie in or at any part of the harbour and regulating the position, mooring, unmooring, placing or removing of the vessel,

(b) regulating the dismantling of the vessel, and

(c) regulating the quantity of ballast or dead weight in the hold of the vessel.

(2) A direction given under this section shall not—

(a) be repugnant to or inconsistent with any regulation of the Revenue Commissioners or the law relating to customs, or

(b) require the dismantling of any aircraft.

(3) If the master of a vessel refuses or fails to comply with a direction given to him by the harbour master of a harbour and authorised by this section or if the harbour master of a harbour cannot find the master of a vessel in relation to which the harbour master wishes to give a direction authorised by this section—

(a) the harbour master may carry out the direction and do all things necessary for or incidental to that purpose, and

(b) the expenses incurred in so carrying out the direction shall be paid by the master of the vessel to the harbour authority for the harbour and, in default of payment, may be recovered as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(4) If the master of a vessel refuses or fails to comply with a direction given to him by the harbour master of a harbour and authorised by this section, he shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.