MARINE SAFETY ACT 1998 - SECT 19C Powers and duties relating to seizure of recreational vessels

MARINE SAFETY ACT 1998 - SECT 19C

19C Powers and duties relating to seizure of recreational vessels

(1) A recreational vessel may be seized under section 19A (2) (a)--

(a) in State waters, or

(b) on a road or public place, or

(c) in any other place, with the consent of the owner or occupier of the place or by a police officer under the authority of a search warrant issued under section 19P.

(2) For the purpose of exercising the powers conferred by section 19A, an authorised officer may cause any locking device or other feature of the vessel that is impeding the seizure and movement of the vessel to be removed, dismantled or neutralised and may, if the owner or any other person will not surrender the keys to the vessel, start the vessel by other means.

(3) A vessel may be moved under section 19A--

(a) by being operated, whether or not under power, or by being towed or pushed, or in any other manner, and

(b) by one or more authorised officers or, at the direction of an authorised officer, by persons engaged by the Commissioner of Police or Transport for NSW.

(4) If a vessel is moved in accordance with this section by a tow truck, the person operating or driving the tow truck may take such action as is reasonable or necessary to facilitate the towing or movement of the vessel in a manner that does the least damage to the vessel. In taking any such action, the person is not liable for any damage to the vessel that the person causes.