Section 76

In the event of fire breaking out on board any vessel in the port, the Port Master or his authorised representative may proceed on board the vessel with such assistance and persons as to him seem fit, and may give such orders as seem to him necessary for scuttling the vessel, or for removing the vessel or any other vessel to such place as to him seems proper to prevent in either case danger to other vessels and for the taking of any other measures that appear to him expedient for the protection of life or property.

If such orders are not forthwith carried out by the master of such vessel, the Port Master or his authorised representative may proceed to carry them into effect.

Any expenses incurred in the exercise of the powers conferred by subsections (1) and (2) shall be recoverable from the master or owner of the vessel concerned either as a civil debt or in the manner provided by section 140.[68