Section 137. Power to deny entry, detain or move vessel.

(1) Where the Central Government has reasonable grounds to suspect that a vessel which proposes to enter a port in India does not comply with the requirements of this Part, it may direct the port to deny entry to such vessel. (2) Where the Central Government has reasonable grounds to suspect that a vessel does not comply with the requirements of this Part and poses a threat of harm to the coast or coastal waters or has caused such harm, it may direct any proper officer to detain the vessel or have the vessel moved to such place and for such period as it may deem fit. (3) Where any vessel detained under this section proceeds to sea before being released, the master of the vessel, ship owner or any person who sends the vessel to sea, shall be liable to penalty under this Act.