(a)if the ship is then at a place where there is [a Judicial Magistrate of the first class or a Metropolitan Magistrate, as the case may be,] [ Substituted by Act 12 of 1983, Section 17 and Schedule, for " a Magistrate" (w.e.f. 18.5.1983).] or other proper officer, as soon after such statement as the service of the ship will permit, and
