This section contains powers to board and search vessels or aircraft analogous to those in section 36 in respect of entry and search of vehicles. A vessel is defined in section 59(4) and includes any ship, boat or hovercraft. The powers do not apply where the vessel or aircraft is used as a dwelling, for example, a house boat. Again, the provisions of sections 2 and 3 of PACE apply where the powers are exercised by a constable in England and Wales (subsection (10) of sections 2 and 3 of PACE apply the provisions of those sections to vessels, aircraft and hovercrafts as they apply to vehicles).
Section 38: Power to board and search vessels or aircraft