725.—(1) A surveyor of ships in the execution of his duties may go on board any steamship at all reasonable times, and inspect the same or any part thereof, or any of the machinery, boats, equipments, or articles on board thereof, or any certificates of the master, mate, or engineer to which the provisions of this Act or any of the regulations made under this Act apply, not unnecessarily detaining or delaying the ship from proceeding on any voyage, and if in consequence of any accident to the ship or for any other reason they consider it necessary so to do, may require the ship to be taken into dock for the purpose of surveying the hull thereof.

(2) If any person hinders any surveyor of ships from going on board any steamship or otherwise impedes him in the execution of his duties under this Act, that person shall for each offence be liable to a fine not exceeding five pounds.