Australian Customs: Boarding your boat without permission

If you are spending a nice weekend on a yacht, or just come in from overseas,
or sailing between ports can Australian Customs board without permission.

Well according to a civil liberties lawyer the answer is NO.

But Australian Customs reports that there were several legislative bases under
which officers could board privately owned recreation vessels without the owner’s permission.

These powers are derived from the Customs Act 1901 and in particular sections 184A(3), 185 and 187 would all apply.

Yacht owners thought it fair that customs officers boarded boats when they had suspicions of criminal activity, but many believed Australian Customs abused their powers.

Many international sailors were bypassing Australia because of the reputation of customs officers and that the economy was the loser.

Subscribe to our LawTracker product, which allows up to date information and e-mail alerts of Legislative activity.

If you were a yacht owner would you like Australian Customs to board
your yacht? Read full article.