§ 4901. New York nautical school may be established and maintained. The board of education of the city of New York, in its discretion, may provide and maintain a nautical school in such city for the education and training of pupils in the science and practice of navigation; may furnish accommodations for such school and make all needful rules and regulations therefor, and for the number and compensation of instructors and others employed therein; may prescribe the government and discipline thereof and the terms and conditions upon which pupils shall be received and instructed therein and discharged therefrom and provide in all things for the good management of such nautical school. Such board shall have power to purchase the books, apparatus, stationery and other things necessary or expedient to enable such school to be properly and successfully conducted; and may cause such school or the pupils, or part of the pupils thereof, to go on board vessels in the harbor of New York and take cruises in or from such harbor for the purpose of obtaining a practical knowledge in navigation and of the duties of mariners. Such board is hereby authorized to apply to the United States government for the requisite use of vessels and supplies for the purposes above mentioned.