Maritime Safety Act 2005

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Non-interference with access to and from ports and harbours.

37.—(1) A vessel shall not, without lawful authority, impede or interfere with any other vessel lawfully entering or leaving, or attempting to enter or leave, a port or harbour (including any approaches to, and waters within the confines of, the port or harbour).

(2) A person in command or in charge of a vessel which contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000, or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €250,000.

(3) The prohibition under subsection (1) in relation to a vessel does not apply to a vessel in distress or out of control due to being in distress.