Singapore legislation
Section 34
of Merchant Shipping (Civil Liability and Compensation for Oil Pollution) Act 1998
Section 34
Power to board and search ship
(1)
The Director may, where the Director has reason to believe that an offence has been committed under this Act or any regulations made under this Act —
board and search any ship;
enter and search any premises; or
summon any person before the Director and require the person to answer questions,and may carry out such inspection and examination as the Director may consider necessary and may seize any books, papers, documents or other things found in those places which may provide evidence of the commission of an offence under this Act or the regulations and may make copies of, or take extracts from, any such books, papers or documents.
(2)
Any person who assaults, hinders, impedes or obstructs the Director in the performance of the Director’s duties under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (2), “Director” includes an officer of the Authority authorised by the Director to exercise any powers mentioned in subsection (1).