Due to the Whitsun weekend, along the coast to deal with cruise boat traffic.
When the weather is good, many people take advantage of Pentecost weekend to go out with their boat. To cope with the heavy traffic, the Norwegian Customs Service is now increasing its joint inspection presence with the Coast Guard.
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The control operation will extend from Halden to Langesund with a focus on leisure travellers.
“There is no red and green zone at sea that travelers are used to when crossing the border elsewhere, but the same rules apply at sea as on land. In cooperation with the Coast Guard, we will cover as much of the area as possible so that we can inform and control sailors crossing the border on Whitsun, explains Tim Gurrik, manager at the Norwegian Customs Service.
Depending on good cooperation
During this year's Pentecost campaign, the border will be serviced by vessels from both the Coast Guard and the Norwegian Customs Service. They will observe and control traffic crossing the border at sea. For its part, the Coast Guard provides two of its larger vessels, KV Nornen and KV Tor.
“Norway has the second longest coastline in the world and the sea is our most important transport route for goods. With tens of thousands of port calls each year, we need good procedures and good cooperation between government entities to control what enters the country.
– The Coast Guard works closely and well with Norwegian Customs. Coast Guard vessels dotted around the coast often support Customs on various missions as needed, says Commander Oliver Berdal, head of the Coast Guard.
Not everyone follows the rules
As in previous years, emphasis will be placed on informing the public about regulations regarding repairs of vessels abroad and the obligation to clear customs of over-quota goods.
– We know that there are many people who take advantage of the opportunity to repair or modernize their yacht abroad. We also regularly encounter attempts to evade VAT. That is why we are happy to inform sailors about the rules that apply at sea - sums up regional manager Tim Gurrik.
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Source: Norwegian Service Customs, Photo: Norwegian Customs Service
