Section 283

Where any vessel is wrecked, stranded or in distress at any place on or near the coasts of Singapore or any tidal water within the limits of Singapore, the receiver of wreck for the district in which that place is situate shall, upon being made acquainted with the circumstances, forthwith proceed there, and upon his arrival shall take the command of all persons present and shall assign such duties and give such directions to each person as he thinks fit for the preservation of the vessel and of the lives of the persons belonging to the vessel (referred to in this Part as ship-wrecked persons) and of the cargo and apparel of the vessel.

Any person who wilfully disobeys the directions of the receiver shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction for each offence to a fine not exceeding $500, but the receiver shall not interfere between the master and the crew of the vessel in reference to the management thereof unless he is requested to do so by the master.[306