Customs and Excise Management Act 1979

72 Additional powers of officers in relation to coasting ships

(1) The proper officer may examine any goods carried or to be carried in a coasting ship—

(a) at any time while they are on board the ship; or

(b) at any place in the United Kingdom to which the goods have been brought for shipment in, or at which they have been unloaded from, the ship.

(2) For the purpose of examining any goods in pursuance of subsection (1) above, the proper officer may require any container to be opened or unpacked ; and any such opening or unpacking and any repacking shall be done by or at the expense of the proprietor of the goods.

(3) The proper officer—

(a) may board and search a coasting ship at any time during its voyage;

(b) may at any time require any document which should properly be on board a coasting ship to be produced or brought to him for examination ;

and if the master of the ship fails to produce or bring any such document to the proper officer when required, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a penalty of £50.