Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

ADMIRALTY ACT 1988 - SECT 17

                   Where, in relation to a general maritime claim concerning a ship or other property, a relevant person:

                     (a)  was, when the cause of action arose, the owner or charterer of, or in possession or control of, the ship or property; and

                     (b)  is, when the proceeding is commenced, the owner of the ship or property;

a proceeding on the claim may be commenced as an action in rem against the ship or property.