Section 55: Limitation of pilot's liability when bond is given

(1)
A pilot who has given a bond under regulations made under this Part of this Act, shall not be liable for neglect or want of skill beyond the penalty of the bond and the amount payable to him on account of pilotage in respect of the voyage in which he was engaged, when he became so liable.
(2)
A bond given by a pilot in accordance with regulations made under this Part of this Act shall not be liable to stamp duty.
(3) Where any proceeding is taken against a pilot for any neglect or want of skill in respect of which his liability is limited as provided by this section, and other claims are apprehended in respect of the same neglect or want of skill, the court in which the proceeding is taken may determine the amount of the pilot's liability.
(4) On payment into court by the pilot of the amount determined under subsection (3) of this section, the court may-
(a) distribute that amount rateably among the several claimants;
(b) stay any proceeding pending in any other court in relation to the same matter;
(c) proceed in such manner and subject to such directions as to;
(i) making persons parties to the proceedings;
(ii) the exclusion of claimants who do not come in within a certain time;
(iii) requiring security from the pilot;and
(iv) payment of the cost as the court thinks fit.