Merchant Shipping Act (Cap. 234), article 170

170. If a master, seaman or appren tice belonging to a Maltese ship, by wilful breach of duty o r by neglect of duty or by reas on of drunkenness - (a) does any act tending to the immediate loss, destruction or serious damage of the ship, or tending immediately to endanger the life or limb of a person belonging to or on board the ship; or (b) refuses or omits to do any lawful act proper and requisite to be done by him for preserving the ship from immediate loss, destruc tion or serious damage, or 92 CAP. 234.] MERCHANT SHIPPING for preserving any person belonging to or on board the ship from immediate danger to life or limb, he shall for each offence be liable to imprisonment for a perio d not exceeding two years or to a fine ( multa) not exceeding five hundred units or to both such imprisonment and fine. Desertion and absence without leave.  Amended by:  XXIV . 1986.17; I.2025.65.