12:10-5.Ā  Exclusive jurisdiction over surveys of damaged vessels and cargoes;Ā  sale of vessels
The port warden shall have exclusive cognizance of all matters relative to the surveys of vessels and their cargoes arriving at any place in his county inĀ  distress, or damaged while at such place.Ā  He shall be the judge of its fitnessĀ  to be reshipped to its port of destination or whether it shall be sold for theĀ  benefit of whom it may concern.Ā  He shall, if called upon to do so, estimateĀ  the value or measurement of any vessel when it is in dispute or libeled, andĀ  record the same in the books of his office.
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