(1) Enforcement of UK merchant shipping and anti-pollution legislation on UK ships everywhere and on non-UK ships in UK waters;
and (2) ensuring, in the public interest, the prosecution of offenders in significant breach of the law. The Enforcement Unit investigates reported contraventions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 or other merchant shipping legislation. Possible outcomes include: No Further Action; a Notice of Concern; a Formal Caution; a Conditional Caution; or Prosecution. The Enforcement Unit liaises with other enforcement bodies, such as the police, in order to ensure that evidence is secured and appropriate offences are considered, and to decide which body will be the lead authority in the case.
