Summary and Background Part 8: Enforcement Inspection and seizure of objects at sea Section 265: Reports of inspections under section 264
678.This section contains reporting requirements that an enforcement officer must follow after inspecting objects under section 264. The report must state the date and time of the inspection, the identity of the officer in charge of the inspection and how the officer may be contacted.
679.Where anything has been seized the report must also state what has been seized, the reason for its seizure, and any further action to be taken in respect of the object.
680.Where the object has not been seized, then, wherever it is reasonably practicable to do so, a copy of the report must be attached to the object. If the report cannot be attached to the object, the section provides that the report should be served on every person who appears to the officer to be the owner, or one of the owners, of the object. If, after taking reasonable steps to identify any person as owning the object, the officer cannot do so, he must take reasonable steps to bring the report to the attention of persons likely to be interested in it.
681.Where an object was seized and the relevant authority has decided not to take proceedings in respect of any offence relating to the object, or such proceedings have concluded, the relevant authority must serve a copy of the report on every person who seems to be the owner, or one of the owners, of the property. If the object was seized under section 264(5) because it was impractical to replace it, the report and notice of collection must be served together. Where a relevant authority cannot identify any person as owning the object it must take reasonable steps to bring the contents to the attention of those likely to be interested in it.