(1) A dispute relating to salvage which has to be determined summarily as set out in section 400 shall—
(a) where the dispute relates to the salvage of a wreck, be referred to the magistrate having jurisdiction at or near the place where the wreck is found; or
(b) where the dispute relates to salvage in the case of services rendered to any ship, aircraft, or to the cargo or apparel thereof or in saving life therefrom,
be referred to the magistrate having jurisdiction at or near the port in Saint Lucia into which the ship is first brought after the occurrence which gave rise to the salvage claim.
(2) A magistrate may, for the purpose of determining any dispute relating to salvage, procure the assistance of any person conversant with maritime affairs as an assessor, and there shall be paid to every such assessor in respect of his or her services and as part of the costs of the proceedings such sum as the Minister may direct.