Part XI
above, unless the offence in respect of or in connection with which the forfeiture is claimed—
- (a) was substantially the object of the voyage during which the offence was committed; or
- (b) was committed while the ship was under chase by a vessel in the service of Her Majesty after failing to bring to when properly summoned to do so by that vessel.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a ship shall be deemed to have been properly summoned to bring to—
- (a) if the vessel making the summons did so by means of an international signal code or other recognised means and while flying her proper ensign; and
- (b) in the case of a ship which is not a British ship, if at the time when the summons was made the ship was within 3 nautical miles of the coast of the United Kingdom.
(3) For the purposes of this section, all hovercraft (of whatever size) shall be treated as ships of less than 250 tons register.
(4) The exemption from forfeiture of any ship under this section shall not affect any liability to forfeiture of goods carried therein.
Penalty in lieu of forfeiture of larger ship where responsible officer implicated in offence. 143.—(1) Where any ship of 250 or more tons register would, but for section 142 above, be liable to forfeiture for or in connection with any offence under the customs and excise Acts and, in the opinion of the Commissioners, a responsible officer of the ship is implicated either by his own act or by neglect in that offence, the Commissioners may fine that ship such sum not exceeding £50 as they see fit.
(2) For the purposes of this section, all hovercraft (of whatever size) shall be treated as ships of less than 250 tons register.
(3) Where any ship is liable to a fine under subsection (1) above but the Commissioners consider that fine an inadequate penalty for the offence, they may take proceedings in accordance with Schedule 3 to this Act, in like manner as they might but for section 142 above have taken proceedings for the condemnation of the ship if notice of claim had been given in respect thereof, for the condemnation of the ship in such sum not exceeding £500 as the court may see fit.
(4) Where any fine is to be imposed or any proceedings are to be taken under this section, the Commissioners may require such sum as they see fit, not exceeding £50 or, as the case may be, £500, to be deposited with them to await their final decisionD3
