10When does Act apply to vessels?

10 When does Act apply to vessels?

(1)  Unless the contrary intention appears, this Act only applies to vessels that are –

(a) underway; or

(b) involved in maritime accidents.

(2)  A vessel is taken to be underway for the purposes of this Act if it is not secured.

(3)  To avoid doubt, a vessel is taken to be underway for the purposes of this Act even if it is –

(a) drifting, with or without a sea anchor; or

(b) moving otherwise than under its own power; or

(c) temporarily stranded, and not secured.

(4)  However, the fact that a vessel is not underway does not prevent police officers from exercising powers under this Act in respect of the vessel, or in respect of persons on or from the vessel, for the purposes of enforcing this Act, particularly as regards –

(a) acts or omissions that occurred, or may have occurred, while the vessel was underway; or

(b) acts or omissions that would or would be likely to occur if the vessel were to get underway.