Section 49
Power to detain vessel
The Director General may by writing under his hand authorize any Port Officer to detain any vessel in connection with which an offence against this Act is reasonably believed to have been or to be about to be committed, and the vessel may then be detained either at the place where it is found or at any place to which the
Director General may order it to be brought. The Director General shall give notice to the master or owner or charterer or agent of the vessel of the detention of the vessel.
(2)
For the purposes of the detention and other lawful dealing with the vessel the Port Officer shall have power to muster the crew and may, if he considers it necessary so to do, place a police guard on board.
(3)
The detention shall be for safe custody only, and shall cease if a bond with two sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the
Director General be given by the master, owner, charterer or agent of the vessel for the payment of any fine, costs and charges incurred under this Act in respect of any offence or default thereunder.
(4)
If default is made in the payment of any such fine, costs or charges the Port Officer may seize the vessel and the vessel shall be declared forfeited to the Government by order of a court upon the application of the Attorney General. Any vessel so forfeited shall be sold.
(5)
The proceeds of sale of a vessel under this section shall be applied first in payment of any fine, costs or charges incurred under this Act and of any costs incurred in and about the sale and the proceedings leading thereto and the balance shall be paid to the owner of or other person lawfully entitled to the vessel before forfeiture and sale.