32Improperly assuming Australian nationality

#### 32 Improperly assuming Australian nationality (1) If the master or owner of a ship that is not an Australian ship does anything, or permits anything to be done, that results in a ship appearing to be an Australian ship, the ship is subject to forfeiture under this Act, and the Master and owner each commit an offence. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the master or owner of the ship does the thing for the purpose of escaping capture by an enemy. > Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code). (3) An offence based on subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability. > Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.