s 19 Power to distrain for non-payment of charges, etc.
(1) In relation to a failure of the master of a vessel to pay any charges or part thereof payable on demand under this Act or any by-laws made thereunder, the authority may distrain or arrest the vessel aforesaid and the tackle, apparel or furniture or other article belonging to such vessel, and detain the same until the said charges are paid. (2) Where any part of the charges or the costs of the distress, arrest or detention of the said vessel, tackle, apparel or furniture or other article remains unpaid for the space of fourteen days next after any such distress, arrest or detention, the authority may cause the vessel or the other articles so distrained, arrested or detained, to be sold, and may apply the proceeds thereof to satisfy such charges and costs (including the costs of the sale) and the authority shall pay the balance thereof (if any) to the said master on demand. (3) Where the authority gives to the officer of the Government whose duty is to grant the port clearance of any vessel, a notice stating that an amount specified therein is due in respect of charges or penalties imposed under this Act or any by-laws made thereunder against the vessel, the owner, agent or master of the vessel, such officer shall not grant any port clearance to such vessel until the amount so leviable or chargeable has been paid or security has been given to the satisfaction of the authority for the amount thereof. (4) This section (relating to the recovery of charges in arrears by the authority), shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the rights of the authority under any law.