31.—(1) Without prejudice to any other remedy available to the Comhairle, if a special direction is not complied with within a reasonable time, the harbourmaster may put persons on board the vessel to carry out the direction or may otherwise cause the vessel to be handled in accordance with the direction.
(2) If there is no one on board a vessel to attend to a special direction, the harbourmaster may proceed as if the direction had been given and not complied with.
(3) The powers of paragraph (2) shall not be exercised–
(a)in relation to a vessel other than a lighter unless, after reasonable inquiry has been made, the master cannot be found; or
(b)in relation to a lighter unless it is obstructing or interfering with navigation.
(4) Expenses incurred by the Comhairle in the exercise of the powers conferred by paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be recoverable by them as if they were a charge of the Comhairle in respect of the vessel.