Section 8: Application to Foreign Vessels.

(1) (1) Sections 3-6 apply to every foreign vessel except any foreign vessel that is-
(a) engaged in salvage operations provided such salvage operation is determined by the Minister to be beyond the capacity of Nigerian owned and operated salvage vessels and companies ;
(b) engaged with the approval of the Minister or any other relevant government agency in activities related to a marine pollution emergency or to any threatened risk thereof ;
(c) engaged in any ocean research activity commissioned by the Department of Fisheries or any other department of the government responsible for such research ; or
(d) operated or sponsored by a foreign government that has sought and received the consent of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to conduct Marine Scientific Research.
(2) (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), the requirement for ministerial determination shall not apply to any vessel engaged in salvage operations for the purpose of rendering assistance to person, vessels or aircraft in danger or distress in Nigerian waters