Section 283: Security for costs may be required

(1)
Where a complaint is made to the Minister or a detaining officer that a foreign ship is unsafe, the Minister or officer may, if he thinks fit, require the complainant to give security to the satisfaction of the Minister for the costs and compensation which the complainant may become liable to pay as mentioned in this section.
(2)
The security under subsection (1) of this section shaII not be required where the complaint is made by one fourth, being not less than three, of the seamen belonging to the ship, and is not in the opinion of the Minister or officer, frivolous or vexatious; and the Minister or officer shall, if the complaint is made in sufficient time before the sailing of the ship, take proper steps for ascertaining whether the ship ought to be detained.
(3)
Where a ship is detained in consequence of any complaint and the circumstances are such that the Federal Government is liable under this Act to pay to the owner of the ship any costs or compensation, the complainant shall be liable to pay to the Federal Government all such costs and compensation as the Federal Government incurs or is liable to pay, in respect of the detention and survey of the ship.