(1) The conservator or any of his assistants may, whenever he suspects that any offence against this Act has been, or is about to be, committed, or whenever it is necessary for him so to do in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by this Act, and the person appointed under this Act to receive any port dues, fees or other charges payable in respect of any vessel, may, whenever it is necessary for him so to do in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by this Act, either alone or with any other person, board any vessel, or enter any building or place, within the limits of any port subject to this Act.
(2) If the master of the vessel, or any person in possession or occupation of the building or place, without lawful excuse, refuses to allow any such person as is mentioned in sub-section (1) to board or enter such vessel, building or place in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by this Act, he shall for every such offence be punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.