Customs Consolidation Act, 1876

Power to search vessels within limits of ports.

182. Any officer of Customs or other person duly employed for the prevention of smuggling may go on board any ship or boat which shall be within the limits of any port of the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands, and rummage and search the cabin and all other parts of such ship or boat for prohibited or uncustomed goods, and remain on board such ship or boat so long as she shall continue within the limits of such port.