Section 31
of Merchant Shipping Ports Harbours And Dues Regulations 1961
Section 31
In case of fire breaking out on board any vessel in any port or harbour, the master shall take immediate steps to combat the fire and shall make or exhibit the appropriate signal as indicated in the Fifth Schedule.
(2)
The master shall cause any explosive or highly inflammable substance which may be on board to be removed from the vessel as soon as possible after the fire is discovered.
(3)
The master of any vessel on fire shall obey such orders relating to the movement or berthing of his vessel as may be given to him by the Port Officer, who may proceed on board such vessel with such assistance and persons as may seem to him fit and give such orders as may seem to him necessary for scuttling such vessel or for removing such vessel to such other place as may seem to him proper to prevent danger to other vessels or to wharves or buildings or for extinguishing the fire, and on such orders not being carried out forthwith by the master of such vessel, the Port
Officer may himself proceed to carry them into effect.