Versions of s. 639(1)

Where by any enactment, before or after August 1, 1936, the Parliament of any Commonwealth country other than Canada has provided, in terms that extend to ships registered in that country while they are in Canada or before or after they have been in Canada or while they are at sea, with relation to any matter touching or concerning those ships, their owners, masters or crews, that any court, officer of a ship belonging to Her Majesty, registrar of British ships, officer of customs, shipping master or other officer or functionary in or of Canada may or shall execute any request, exercise any right or authority or perform any duty or act with relation to those ships, their owners, masters or crews, that court, officer or functionary in or of Canada may and shall execute the request, have the right or authority and perform the duty or act as if the enactment were by this Act enacted.