Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)

If a proper officer has reason to suspect that the provisions of this Act are not being or have not been complied with in respect of any ship within the Republic or the territorial waters of the Republic, which is not registered in the Republic, or in respect of any South African ship wherever she may be, he shall take such steps as in his opinion are necessary to ensure compliance with the said provisions.