Recovery of value of damage to property of Board

If, through the negligence of any person having the guidance or command of any vessel, or of any of mariners or persons employed on such vessel, any damage is caused to any dock, wharf, quay, mooring, stage, jetty, pier or other work in the possession of the Board or any movable property belonging to 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, spares, 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 given a reasonable opportunity of being heard: Provided further that no such warrant shall issue if the vessel was at the time under the orders of a duly authorised employee of the Board and the damage caused was attributable to the order, act or improper omission of such employee.