23.—(1) A person shall not in Irish waters navigate or operate a vessel without due care and attention to persons in or on those waters or on land, within the State, adjacent to those waters.

(2) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or both.