Ports Unit

Policing Tayside's sea and airports is a remit of Special Branch (SB) and in particular its SB Ports Unit.

The unit, working closely with uniform colleagues, monitor and police as required our airports, airfields, landing strips, harbours, marinas and other maritime assets in our Force area. They ensure compliance with the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT2000) and other associated legislation.

An information leaflet will be made available to you at an airport or other port if you are stopped and questioned by a police officer under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. A copy of this leaflet can be downloaded from this page as a PDF file (see the "Download Files" section).

The SB Ports Unit is also interested in obtaining intelligence and information concerning all aspects of crime including offences of smuggling, contraband and illegal immigration.

The unit works closely with other agencies, in particular the UK Border Agency.

The Terrorism Act 2000 and associated legislation covers a broad range of laws and powers, however within the 'Ports' environment it specifically outlines the regulation of General Aviation movements and the responsibilities of pilots and operators.

The requirement to seek authority from the Police to fly or sail to a Common Travel Area (CTA) port (CTA presently consisting of Northern Ireland, Eire, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) remains. The minimum mandatory notification period of 12 hours is rigorously enforced.

 
Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs

You should be aware of your responsibilities in relation to flight or other notifications to HM Revenue & Customs.

Should you have any enquiries in relation to HM Revenue & Customs then the following contact details will be of use :

• HM Revenue & Customs National Advice Centre - Fax 0870 240 3738
• HM Revenue & Customs National Advice Centre - Phone 0845 010 900
• HM Revenue & Customs website - www.hmrc.gov.uk

 
Meeting You

Officers from the Tayside Police SB Ports Unit will endeavour to meet pilots, operators and masters of craft when visiting Dundee, Perthshire, Kinrossshire or Angus for the first time. If we are unable to then please contact us if necessary (see contact details below).

 
Can You Help?

• YES - as a pilot/owner by being aware of your responsibilities and complying with them.
• YES - by being vigilant and notifying us of anything suspicious.

 
What To Look Out For

• Evidence of unauthorised activity at your airstrip, e.g. fresh tyre marks
• Packages being transferred from an aircraft to a vehicle in unusual locations, such as a remote part of the airfield
• Activity or sightings of aircraft at night or on unused airstrips
• Strangers trying to hire your aircraft or those belonging to other club members
• Strangers using, or seeking permission to use, your airstrip
• Evidence of adaptation of aircraft for concealment purposes

 
If You Do Notice Anything Unusual

• DO NOT involve yourself
• DO NOT touch any suspicious packages
• Make a note of any registration number, markings or description
• Call Tayside Police immediately - your information will be treated in confidence - on 0300 111 2222, or 999 in an emergency

Under the Terrorism Act 2000 it is a requirement of the pilot or Captain to complete the General Aviation Report (GAR) in respect of all flights between Tayside and the Common Travel Area (CTA) or Northern Ireland with no less than 12 hours notification. It is an offence to willfully fail to comply with this regulation.

Details of your flight schedules (GAR) must be delivered as stated in the legislation, however alternative arrangements may be permitted after contacting the Tayside Police Special Branch Ports Unit.

The following FAX numbers can be used to send GARs: -

• During the hours 0800 – 1600, Mon - Friday : 01382 596509
• Out-with these hours and at weekends : 01382 200449

Alternative arrangements (for example e-mail) must be discussed with the Tayside SB Ports Unit (Tel no. 01382 596286 during office hours as above). Out-with these times please contact the Force Control Centre on 0300 111 2222 and mention 'Vision - Operation Common Travel Area'.