Section 426: Power of Minister to appoint inspector, and powers of inspector

(1)
Where a shipping casualty within the meaning of this part of this Act occurs-
(a)
the Minister may appoint a fit and proper person to hold a preliminary inquiry immediately after the incidence to inquire into the causes and reason for the occurrence and the person so appointed shall have all the powers of an inspector under this Act;
(b)
the person appointed to hold a preliminary inquiry under subsection (1) of this section shall not later than fourteen days after the conclusion of the hearing, report his findings to the Minister.
(2)
An inspector who is authorised to, and any person having the powers of an inspector may-
(a)
go on board any ship and inspect the same or any part of the ship, or any machinery, boats, equipment or articles on board the ship to which the provisions of this Act apply, not unnecessarily detaining or delaying it from proceeding on any voyage;
(b)
enter and inspect any premises in pursuance of an inquiry under this section;
(c)
by summons under his hand, require the attendance of person he thinks fit to caII before him and examine that person for the purpose of his report and may require answers or returns to any inquiries he thinks fit to make;
(d)
require and enforce the production of all books, papers or documents which he considers important for the purpose of his report.