12:9-2. Jurisdiction and powers
The harbor masters may regulate and station all vessels in the bay of New York or in the North river, within the limits of Hudson county, and the wharves thereof, and remove such ships and vessels as are not employed in receiving and discharging their cargoes, to make room for such others as are required to be more immediately accommodated for the purpose of receiving and discharging cargoes. As to the fact of the vessels being bona fide employed in receiving and discharging their cargoes, the harbor masters, or either of them, shall be the sole judges. The harbor masters, or either of them, may determine how far and in what instances it is the duty of persons having charge of vessels to accommodate each other in their respective situations.