Magistrate and two nautical assessors to constitute court for formal investigation

(1) If the Harbour Master, after an inquiry, under section 41, should consider a more formal investigation to be necessary, he shall report the facts to the Minister, and thereupon the Minister may direct any magistrate to hold such formal investigation into the subject of the inquiry. (2) At any investigation held under sub-section (1), the magistrate shall be assisted by two nautical assessors to be appointed by the Minister, and when so appointed, the magistrate with the two nautical assessors shall constitute the court for holding the investigation. (3) Subject to sub-section (4), whenever a formal investigation involves, or appears likely to involve, any question as to the cancellation or suspension of the certificate of a master, mate or engineer, the court shall hold the investigation with the assistance of not less than two assessors being either officers of 34 the maritime wing of the Belize Defence Force of a rank not lower than that of lieutenant, officer of the Belize Coast Guard of the rank not below that of Lieutenant Junior Grade or persons having experience in the Merchant Service. (4) In the case of an investigation in respect of any ship owned, operated or managed by persons residing in Belize, or who are nationals of, and residing in a country which is a state Party to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the Caricom Single Market and Economy, the court holding the investigation may be comprised of a magistrate as aforesaid with either one or two assessors as may be practicable, of nautical, engineering or other special skill or knowledge. Schedule III.