(1)The owner or master of a vessel who without reasonable excuse and (in the case of a master of a vessel who is not also the owner) knowingly—
(a)keeps, lets for hire or uses a vessel in the navigation area or on adjacent waters which does not comply with any standards applicable to the vessel; or
(b)contravenes the requirements of section 14(2) as to insurance policies,
shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
(2)It shall be a defence for the owner or master of a vessel charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that he had taken all reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the commission of any such offence.