This imposes liability on the owner and the master of the ship. There is now specific exclusion of liability for the pilot and port company. This Act contains measures relating to a range of maritime matters. Suspension and Imposition of Conditions on Maritime Documents These powers have been refined to clarify the process for suspension of documents and to permit the Director a full range of options for further action once an initial suspension has been made. Investigations The Director's powers of investigation of maritime incidents and accidents and marine pollution incidents have been amended to remove the references to the Commission of Inquiry Act and replace them with more specific powers to investigate, summons witnesses and gather evidence.
Responsibility rests with the owner to secure and remove the wreck, equipment and cargo.
The power of the regional council to remove a wreck in its region has now been restricted, so that it only exists where the wreck is a hazard to navigation. The office of Receiver of Wreck has been discontinued. Many of the functions associated with the Receiver of Wreck have also been removed. The MSA is no longer responsible for dealing with wreck claims. The provision dealing with application of the Fund has been amended to allow the fund to be used for interim funds until clean up costs are recovered from the spiller.