48. Every person subject to this Ordinance, who knowing that any other person subject to service law has deserted, absented himself without leave, or improperly left his ship or place of duty, or is attempting to desert, to absent himself without leave or improperly to leave his ship or place of duty,- (a) fails to report the fact without delay; or(b) fails to take any steps within his power to cause that person to be apprehended,shall be liable to suffer short imprisonment.