Obstruction of officers
18.—(1) A person is guilty of an offence if that person—
(a)fails without reasonable excuse to comply with any requirement imposed by a British sea-fishery officer under the powers conferred by this Order;
(b)without reasonable excuse, prevents, or attempts to prevent, any other person from complying with any such requirement;
(c)assaults an officer who is exercising any of the powers conferred by this Order; or
(d)intentionally obstructs an officer in the exercise of any of the powers conferred by this Order.
(2) In paragraph (1)(c) and (d), “officer” means—
(a)a British sea-fishery officer, or
(b)a person assisting a British sea-fishery officer by virtue of—
(i)article 13(2) or 14(1)(b), or
(ii)a warrant issued under article 15.
(3) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1) is liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £50,000,
(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine.