Section 39 – Power to inspect and seize objects
123.Section 39(1) confers inspection powers on BSFOs to allow them to examine objects which they have reasonable grounds to suspect may be being used in connection with commercial sea fishing. This could include objects discovered in the sea, or on land on the foreshore, or in the vicinity of ports and harbours. Section 39(2) provides a power to lift an object out of the sea for the purposes of inspecting it. Having inspected the object, the officer may decide to seize it by virtue of the power conferred by section 39(3). By virtue of Section 39(7), this can include any contents or anything attached to the object. If the officer decides not to seize the object then section 39(5) requires the officer to replace the object where it was found or, in circumstances where it is not possible to replace the object, section 39(6) provides for the seizure of the object until the owner can collect it.
