34Abandoned vessels

34 Abandoned vessels

(1) This section applies in relation to a vessel if: (a) the owner or operator of the vessel is liable to pay, or has paid, a quarantine charge or a late payment fee (whether or not the charge or fee relates to the vessel); and (b) the vessel is, or has been, subject to quarantine; and (c) the vessel is in the possession or control of the Commonwealth; and (d) either: (i) a Director of Quarantine receives a written notice from the owner of the vessel stating that the owner does not wish to take possession of the vessel; or (ii) a Director of Quarantine has, in writing, requested the owner of the vessel to take possession of the vessel within a specified period and the owner has not taken possession of the vessel within that period. (2) A Director of Quarantine may, in writing, request the owner of the vessel to arrange for the vessel to be dealt with, or destroyed, in a manner and within the period specified in the request. (3) If: (a) a request is made under subsection (2) in relation to a vessel; and (b) the vessel is not dealt with, or destroyed, in a manner and within the period specified in the request; a Director of Quarantine may, if necessary, take possession of the vessel and cause it to be sold under section 29, destroyed or otherwise disposed of. (4) If a vessel is to be destroyed under this section, a Director of Quarantine may cause any goods on board the vessel to be removed from the vessel before it is destroyed.