51Offence to operate vessels in contravention of vessel registration certificates

#### 51 Offence to operate vessels in contravention of vessel registration certificates 51 Offence to operate vessels in contravention of vessel registration certificates > > (1) The master of a registrable vessel must not allow the vessel to be operated in State waters in contravention of the conditions of the vessel registration certificate for the vessel. > > > > Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. > > > (2) It is a defence to prosecution for an offence under this section if the master establishes that the master reasonably believed the vessel was not operated in contravention of the conditions. > > **s 51:** Am 2008 No 59, Sch 1 \[24\]; 2012 No 90, Sch 1 \[18\]. Subst 2016 No 28, Sch 1 \[29\]; 2025 No 12, Sch 1\[50\].