Powers of Inspector

(1) For the purpose of ensuring that the provisions of the Act and Regulations made thereunder, or of any International Convention, are duly observed and complied with, and for the effective carrying out of his powers and duties under the Act and such regulations, an inspector in Belize may, 65 (a) go on board any ship and inspect the same or any part thereof, or any of the machinery, boats, equipment or articles on board thereof to which the said provisions apply; (b) require answers or returns to be given or made by the master or any other member of the crew of a ship to any inquiries he is required or thinks fit to make; (c) require the production of any books, papers or documents; and (d) administer oaths for obtaining sworn testimony. (2) The powers conferred upon an inspector by subsection (1) of this section may be exercised by a Deputy Registrar or his designate on or in respect of a Belizean ship outside Belize. (3) Powers conferred by this section shall not be exercised so as to unnecessarily detain or delay any ship. (4) Any person who, (a) obstructs the Registrar or his designate in the exercise of his powers under this Act or under any other power conferred by the Act or any regulations made thereunder; (b) without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with any requirement made under this Act; or (c) knowingly gives a false answer to any question put to him by an inspector or Registrar or his designate, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars. 66