19Extension of ship sanitation certificates

19 Extension of ship sanitation certificates

(1) The operator of a vessel that is at a declared port may request that a ship sanitation certificate in force for the vessel be extended if it is not practicable for the vessel to be inspected at the port. (2) If a request to extend a ship sanitation certificate is made under subsection (1), a biosecurity officer may extend the certificate for a period of not more than 1 month after the date on which the certificate would otherwise cease to be in force. (3) However, a biosecurity officer must not extend a ship sanitation certificate if the certificate has previously been extended under this section or by an overseas competent authority.