General

Power to detain vessels, aircraft and hovercraft
55
1
Where an inspector appointed by the appropriate national authority certifies in writing that he is satisfied that an offence under or by virtue of this Act is being or has been committed on board a vessel in port, the vessel may be detained.
2
A certificate under subsection (1) shall—
a
specify each offence to which it relates, and
b
set out the inspector's reasons for being satisfied that each offence to which it relates is being or has been committed.
3
Section 284 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21)
(which provides for enforcement of the detention of a ship under that Act by specified officers) shall apply as if the power of detention under subsection (1) were conferred by that Act.
4
An officer who detains a vessel in reliance on a certificate under subsection (1) shall as soon as is reasonably practicable give a copy of it to the master or person in charge of the vessel.
5
A vessel may be detained under subsection (1) until the appropriate national authority otherwise directs.
6
The appropriate national authority may by regulations—
a
apply this section to aircraft or hovercraft, with such modifications as the authority thinks fit, or
b
make such other provision for the detention of aircraft or hovercraft in relation to offences under or by virtue of this Act as the authority thinks fit.
S. 55 in force at 27.3.2007 for W. by S.I. 2007/1030, art. 2(1)(h)
S. 55 in force at 6.4.2007 for E. by S.I. 2007/499, art. 2(2)(j)