Regulation 9 Penalties and defence

If a ship to which these Regulations apply proceeds on any voyage or excursion without complying with the requirements of regulations 4, 5(2)(b) and 6 the owner of the ship shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine or both.

If regulation 5(1) or 2(a) is not complied with the master of the ship shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine or both.

It shall be a defence to a charge under these Regulations for the defendant to show that all reasonable steps were taken to avoid commission of the offence.