Section 54

In case any part of the said rates or penalties, or of the costs of the distress or arrest, or of the keeping of the said vessel, tackle, apparel or furniture remains unpaid for the space of fourteen days next after any such distress or arrest has been so made, the

Commission may cause the vessel or other thing so distrained or arrested to be sold, and with the proceeds of the sale may satisfy the rates or penalties and costs, including costs of sale remaining unpaid, rendering the surplus, if any, to the master of the vessel on demand.

If the Commission gives to the officer of the Government whose duty it is to grant the port clearance of any vessel a notice stating that an amount, therein specified, is due in respect of rates or penalties chargeable under this Act against the vessel, or the owner or master of the vessel, the officer shall not grant the port clearance until the amount so chargeable has been paid.

Alternative remedy by suit