27Sale of detained vessel

27 Sale of detained vessel

(1) This section applies in relation to a vessel that is detained under section 24 because a quarantine charge or a late payment fee that is due and payable by the owner of the vessel has not been paid.

Note: For owner‑operators, see subsection (5).

Notice to owner (2) The vessel may be sold under section 29 if: (a) a Director of Quarantine has given a notice to the owner of the vessel under subsection 24(2); and (b) at the end of the day specified in the notice under paragraph 24(2)(b), the quarantine charge or late payment fee has not been paid. Notice cannot be given (3) The vessel may be sold under section 29 without giving a notice to the owner of the vessel under subsection 24(2) if: (a) a Director of Quarantine: (i) has not been able to give the notice to the owner of the vessel, despite making reasonable efforts; and (ii) has certified in writing to that effect; and (b) at the end of 30 days after the Director of Quarantine first attempted to give the notice, the quarantine charge or late payment fee has not been paid. Goods on board vessel (4) A Director of Quarantine may cause any goods on board the vessel to be unloaded from the vessel before it is sold. Owner‑operators (5) To avoid doubt, the reference in subsection (1) to a quarantine charge or a late payment fee that is due and payable by the owner of a vessel includes a reference to a quarantine charge or late payment fee that the owner of a vessel is liable to pay because the owner is also the operator of the vessel.