Royal Yacht Association hits out at UKBA

The Royal Yacht Association has asked for government clarification of the UK Border Agency’s powers in using force boats and boarding parties. The request comes following a spate of recent complaints from RYA members who claim they have been subjected to search raids while at sea by the UKBA.

The RYA has raised its concerns that UKBA officials are intimidating with the MP for State Borders and Immigration, saying that cutter crews had instilled a new fear into the ocean going public. The RYA wants assurances that the recreational boating public will not be regarded as threats, suggesting that such a move would be counterproductive.

Also for discussion is reports of UKBA officials stopping boats and demanding to see identification from crew and passengers, which they are not obligated to carry onboard by law. The RYA confirmed that they had received a growing number of complaints about boarding parties and that the UKBA was essentially wasting its resources by interrogating the public. The RYA said it had no problem with the UKBA’s mission but rather with those who carried it out. The RYA is awaiting the response from the minister to clarify the extent of the powers of the UKBA.

The UKBA employees a team of 5 cutters which are around 40ft in length and can accommodate a crew of 16 and are designed to counter criminality and terrorism. Previously belonging to Her Majesties Customs Cutters the fast patrol boats are now known as Her Majesty’s Cutters.