Change of berth

(1) Every ship or other water-craft, shall at all times, have on board a person in charge with authority to take such action in any emergency as may be necessary to facilitate common navigation or commerce, or for the protection of other ships or property. The Ports Commissioner shall have authority to order and enforce the removal or change of berth or location of any ship or other water-craft at its own expense, to such place as he may direct, for the purpose of facilitating navigation or 8 Belize Port Authority commerce, or for the protection of other ships or property and it shall be unlawful for the master, owner or agent of such ship to fail, neglect or refuse to obey such order. (2) If there is no responsible person available, or if the person in charge refuses to shift the ship as directed, the Ports Commissioner shall cause the ship to be shifted at the risk and expense of the owner.