LATEST GUIDANCE FOR PLEASURE VESSELS DEPARTING AND ARRIVING IN THE UK

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth that owners of pleasure craft who sail their vessels to or from the UK should follow the latest customs, immigration, arrival and departure requirements.

2. This is an extract from Notice 8 issued by HM Customs and Revenue and is intended to detail the customs arrival and departure requirements. Private use means recreational (non-commercial) use; this can also include the use of a company owned vessel for private recreational purposes.

3. Full details of this notice can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-8-sailing-your-pleasure-craft-to-and-from-the-uk/notice-8-sailing-your-pleasure-craft-to-and-from-the-uk.

The current C1331 (PDF version) format to report your arrival and departure has been updated. The new e-C1331 is an excel template that will allow data to be submitted electronically via email to the National Yachtline and the relevant regional Border Force command. Users of the e-C1331 can use the links and the guidance within the template to complete and submit the form without posting it, as with the PDF version.

The new e-C1331 has been added to Sailing leisure craft to and from the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

4. To use the e-C1331 prior to departure from the UK, you must select ‘departure’ from the drop down box in ‘ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TO/FROM UK?’

However, If you prefer to post the pdf version of the Form C1331, you will be required to complete part one and return to: Yacht Reports, Freight Clearance Centre, Lord Warden Square, Western Docks, Dover, Kent, CT17 9DN.

5. When arriving or returning to the UK (and this includes the Channel Islands) you must fly the ‘Q’ flag, where it can readily be seen, as soon as you enter UK waters (at the 12-mile limit). Do not take down the flag until you have finished reporting to the customs authorities. Failure to comply will make you liable to a penalty.

6. You should then telephone the Yachtline on 0300 123 2012 (open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week) and at this point you must provide the following information:

· If UK VAT has not been paid on the vessel. · You have goods on board which are to be treated as surplus stores as per Notice 69A.

· You have any prohibited or restricted goods.

· There is any notifiable illness on board.

· There are any people on board who need immigration clearance.

· Any repairs or modifications, other than running repairs, that have been carried out since the vessel last left the UK.

· You have any goods for personal use on which you need to declare and pay UK tax or duty.

7. You will then be required to complete e-C1331 form Sailing leisure craft to and from the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). You must select ‘arrival’ from the drop down box in ‘ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TO/FROM UK?’

However, If you prefer to post the pdf version of the Form C1331, you will be required to complete part two and return to: Yacht Reports, Freight Clearance Centre, Lord Warden Square, Western Docks, Dover, Kent, CT17 9DN.

8. Re-Immigration: All non-UK Passport holders that do not have existing permission to enter, remain, or have the right of entry to the UK, must call their local Border Force Office in order to be granted permission to enter. They should call the relevant Border Force number before disembarking from the vessel.

o Portsmouth Border Force Office: 07557 205 925

o Southampton Border Force Office: 07810 851 199

9. Please note that this requirement and process also applies to charter vessels and sailing school operations.

10. Portsmouth LNTM 33/1 is hereby superseded.