188CPower of Minister to close waters

188C Power of Minister to close waters (1) The Minister may, by written notice, close any specified area of Northern Territory waters to shipping for a period specified in the notice so as to: (a) enable the safe staging of regattas and races; or (b) facilitate salvage or construction operations; or (c) clean up polluted waters; or (d) deal with any matter relating to safety. (2) The Minister must, as far as practicable, publicise the proposed closure beforehand in such manner as the Minister thinks fit. (3) A person commits an offence if the person is in closed waters contrary to a notice under subsection (1). (4) An offence against subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability. (6) This section does not apply to waters within a designated port. 188CA Exemption from closed waters for police officers (1) A police officer acting in the course of the officer's duties may enter waters closed under section 188B or 188C if: (a) the officer believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to do so; and (b) the officer takes reasonable care when doing so. Marine Act 1981 43 (2) A police officer who enters closed waters in accordance with subsection (1) does not commit an offence against section 188B(3) or 188C(3) in respect of those waters.