The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

Prohibition on arrival of vessels into Northern Ireland

18.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), this regulation applies in relation to a vessel whose last point of departure was a port in a country or territory listed in paragraph 2 of Schedule 8 (“a relevant vessel”).

(2) This regulation does not apply in relation to—

(a) a commercially operated vessel carrying no passengers,

(b) a vessel operated by or in support of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom,

(c) a vessel operated by or in support of a foreign country or territory where, prior to its arrival in Northern Ireland, a United Kingdom Government Department has provided written confirmation to the operator that the vessel is carrying passengers who are travelling to conduct official business within the United Kingdom.

(3) An operator must not cause or permit a relevant vessel to moor at a port in Northern Ireland unless mooring at a port in Northern Ireland—

(a) is reasonably necessary to secure the safety of the vessel or health and safety of any person aboard it, or

(b) is otherwise required pursuant to a direction issued under Schedule 3A to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.