s 54 Power to distrain for non-payment of rates, etc.
(1) If the master of any vessel in respect of which any rates or penalties are payable under this Act, refuses or neglects to pay the same or any part thereof on demand, the Commission may distrain or arrest of its own authority the vessel and the tackle, apparel or furniture belonging thereto or any part thereof, and detain the same until the amount so due is paid. (2) In case any part of the said rates or penalties, or of the costs of the distress or arrest, or of the keeping of the said vessel, tackle, apparel or furniture remains unpaid for the space of fourteen days next after any such distress or arrest has been so made, the Commission may cause the vessel or other thing so distrained or arrested to be sold, and with the proceeds of the sale may satisfy the rates or penalties and costs, including costs of sale remaining unpaid, rendering the surplus, if any, to the master of the vessel on demand. (3) If the Commission gives to the officer of the Government whose duty it is to grant the port clearance of any vessel a notice stating that an amount, therein specified, is due in respect of rates or penalties chargeable under this Act against the vessel, or the owner or master of the vessel, the officer shall not grant the port clearance until the amount so chargeable has been paid.