Penalty for damage to property

If, though the negligence of any person having the guidance or command of any vessel or of any of the mariners or persons employed on such vessel, damage shall be caused to any wharf, dock, pier or other work in the possession of the Board, the amount of such damage shall, on the application of the Board, be recoverable, together with the cost of such recovery by distress and sale under a Magistrate's warrant, of a sufficient portion of the boats, masts, spars, ropes, cables, anchors or stores belonging to such vessel: Provided that no Magistrate shall issue such a warrant until the master of the vessel has been summoned to appear before him and if he appears, until he has been heard: Provided further that no such warrant shall issue if the vessel was at the time under the orders of a duly authorised servant of the Board or officer in the pilot service of the port and unless the damage caused was in no way attributable to the order, act or improper omission of such servant or officer.