(1)  The master of a vessel may have possession of such narcotic substances as may be necessary for the purpose of ensuring that the requirements of the law of the Commonwealth or of the Marine and Safety Authority Act 1997 are complied with in respect of the vessel, if those substances have been supplied to the master on an order in writing signed by the master.

(2)  Without prejudice to the operation of subregulation (1) , a master of a vessel may keep on that vessel any narcotic substance that the Secretary may, in writing, allow to be kept on the vessel so long as –

(a) the amount so kept does not exceed the amount of that substance that the Secretary has allowed to be so kept; and

(b) any requirements made by the Secretary in respect of the place or manner in which the substance is kept on that vessel, and in respect of the keeping of records of the acquisition, use or disposal of the substance, are complied with.

(3)  A chemist may supply a narcotic substance to the master of a vessel on an order in writing signed by the master, if the chemist is satisfied that the substance is required for the purpose referred to in subregulation (1) or that the keeping of that substance on the vessel is allowed under subregulation (2) .

(4)  In this regulation –

master includes the person (not being a pilot or harbourmaster) for the time being in charge or having control of any vessel.