Procedure before departure
44.  A sea-going passenger ship shall not proceed to sea until visited by the Port Master or any officer lawfully acting for him. This officer shall after counting the passengers fill in a declaration in the form contained in the First Schedule. The flyleaf shall be signed by the officer and given to the master, who must produce it when called on to do so by the Port Master at the port of destination, while the counterfoil shall be signed by the master and retained by the officer. The Port Clearance shall then be delivered and the vessel shall proceed on her voyage forthwith. No passengers or cargo of any description shall be taken on board after the said officer has left the ship.