8.—(1) A master who navigates or uses the principal rivers—
(a)without due care and attention;
(b)in a manner liable to injure or endanger persons, other vessels, the bed or banks of the principal rivers or any structure or installation in or beside the principal rivers; or
(c)in a manner which does not show reasonable consideration for persons and property in, upon or about the principal rivers and their banks,
shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
(2) In any proceedings under paragraph (1)(b), it shall be a defence for the person charged to prove that the action complained of was done in an emergency and that in all the circumstances the course of action taken was reasonable.