The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has begun an inspection of General Maritime, with the aim of identifying what improvements Border Force is able to make in the short-term (18-24 months) within existing resources, including through efficiencies, reorganisation, and reprioritisation.
For the purposes of this inspection, 'General Maritime' is understood to include:
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(a) all non-scheduled (not on a regular route) international maritime traffic arriving at an un-canalised location (one with no customs or immigration controls or no port approval, for example small harbours, marinas, beaches)
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(b) scheduled un-canalised international non-passenger services, whether commercial or pleasure
and encompasses yachts, tugs, rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), motorboats and small fishing vessels, as well as larger vessels where (a) or (b) apply.
This inspection will focus on:
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the levels of General Maritime-related operational activity nationally and regionally
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Border Force's resourcing of General Maritime operational activity
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the outcomes from operational activity
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stakeholder engagement
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the 'Submit a Pleasure Craft Report' (sPCR) process
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a review of the previous ICIBI recommendations for Project Kraken
This call for evidence will remain open until Thursday 7 November 2024.
The Independent Chief Inspector invites anyone with knowledge and experience of General Maritime to submit evidence to inform this inspection and would be pleased to hear both what is working well and what could be improved. Submissions touching on any and all areas of interest, including those that may not be mentioned above, are therefore welcome.
Please note that the ICIBI's statutory remit does not extend to investigating or making decisions about individual cases. This remains a Home Office responsibility. However, the Independent Chief Inspector can take an interest in individual cases to the extent that they illustrate or point to systemic problems.
Please also note that the information you submit may be quoted in the final inspection report. However, it is the ICIBI's practice not to name sources and to anonymise as much as possible any examples or case studies.
