Marine Search and Rescue Act 1971
5Recovery of cost of certain operations
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5 Recovery of cost of certain operations
(1) Where any expense is incurred under this Act by or on behalf of the Commissioner in the carrying out of a marine search and rescue operation, the whole or a part of that expense may, in accordance with this section, be recovered from –
(a) the owner of the vessel or aircraft in relation to which the operation was carried out; or
(b) any person for the assistance of whom the operation was carried out.
(2) No sum may be recovered from a person under this section except with the approval of the Attorney-General given on the recommendation of the Commissioner.
(3) A sum that is recoverable under this section may be recovered by the Commissioner by action in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Crown.
(4) Nothing in this section affects the law relating to salvage and no sum may be recovered under this section in respect of a service for which there is a right to a salvage reward.