Section 52

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

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

Any expenses incurred in the exercise of the powers conferred by subsections (1) and (2) are recoverable from the master or owner of the vessel concerned as a civil debt.