18Discharge of distress signals

18 Discharge of distress signals

[Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 11 ][Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ][Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 18 Subsection (1AA) (formerly 1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 18 Subsection (1AA) renumbered by No. 46 of 1991, s. 5 and Sched. 3 ][Section 18 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 62 of 1965, s. 6 ][Section 18 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 18 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 18 Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 18 Repealed by No. 1 of 2001, s. 13, Applied:12 Apr 2001]

(1)  In this section –

[Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 17, Applied:19 Dec 2014] distress signal means a flare or electronic device that is normally used to signal distress.

(2)  A person must not, without reasonable excuse, discharge a distress signal.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 30 penalty units.

(3)  A person is not guilty of an offence under subsection (2) if the distress signal was discharged –

(a) for an emergency; or

(b) with the approval of the Marine and Safety Authority (established under the Marine and Safety Authority Act 1997 ); or

(c) with the approval of a police officer of or above the rank of inspector.