Ports Policing

Legislation

For more detailed information in relation to the relevant legislation contact the Northern Constabulary Ports unit on 01463 720223.

New Legislation and How It Affects You

The Terrorism Act 2000 came into force on 19 February 2001. It replaced all previous legislation concerning terrorism. The following relates to the Common travel Area:

This paragraph applies to a journey -

a) to Great Britain from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland or any of the Islands,
b) from Great Britain to any of those places,
c) to Northern Ireland from Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland or any of the Islands, or
d) from Northern Ireland to any of those places.

Where a ship or aircraft is employed to carry passengers for reward on a journey to which this paragraph applies, the owners or agents of the ship or aircraft shall not arrange for it to call at a port in Great Britain or Northern Ireland for the purpose of disembarking or embarking passengers unless -

a) the port is designated, or
b) an examining officer approves the arrangement.

Where an aircraft is employed on a journey to which this paragraph applies otherwise than to carry passengers for reward, the captain of the aircraft shall not permit it to call at or leave a port in Great Britain or Northern Ireland unless -

a) the port is designated, or
b) He gives at least 12 hours notice in writing(G.A.R. form) to a constable for the police area in which the port is situated.(or where the port is in Northern Ireland, to a member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland).

There are no designated ports in terms of the Terrorism Act within the Northern Constabulary Force area. Effectively what this means is that the General Aviation traffic travelling to and from the Common Travel Area and Northern Constabulary, are required by law to give at least 12 hours notice in writing to Northern Constabulary. The attached General Aviation Report (G.A.R.) form is designed to cater for this and it has to be completed fully and faxed to the number listed on the rear of the G.A.R. form which is: 01463 720668, or emailed to ports@northern.pnn.police.uk