28. Power of entry into vessels and private wharves

Any duly authorised officer of the Authority may enter into any vessel within the limits of a port or the approaches thereto or a pilotage district in order to ascertain the amount of the rates. charges, fees and dues payable, in respect of the vessel or on or in respect of any goods carried therein and to obtain any other information required for, or in connection with, the assessment and collection of the rates, charges, fees and dues.

Any such officer may enter upon any private wharf in a port to ascertain the amount of the private wharf dues payable to the Authority in respect of a vessel. or as the case may be, for the purpose of obtaining access to a vessel, when berthed at such a wharf, to ascertain the amount of rates.

Any person who without lawful excuse refuses to allow any such officer to enter into the vessel or upon any private wharf pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) or any person who fails to comply with a reasonable request made by an authorised officer who has entered the vessel or any private wharf pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) for information or for the production of a document is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence. to a further fine not exceeding $500 for every day or part thereof during which such person continues to fail to comply with the request.