Section 33
Power to board and search ship
of Merchant Shipping (CIVIL Liability and Compensation for Oil Pollution) Act
(1)
The Director may, where he has reason to believe that an offence has been committed under this Act or any regulations made thereunder —
(a)
board and search any ship;
(b)
enter and search any premises; or
Merchant Shipping
(Civil Liability and Compensation for Oil Pollution)
(c)
summon any person before him and require him to answer questions, and may carry out such inspection and examination as he may consider necessary and may seize any book, paper, document or other thing found in those places which may furnish evidence of the commission of an offence under this Act or the regulations and may make copies of, or take extracts from, any such book, paper or document.
(2)
Any person who assaults, hinders, impedes or obstructs the
Director in the performance of his duties under this section is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (2), “Director” includes an officer of the Marine Department authorised by the Director to exercise any powers referred to in subsection (1).