Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many vessels have been examined in UK ports where there is suspicion of illegal activity by reason of (1) their Automatic Identification System signals being switched off, or (2) without good reason, those signals not being transmitted in line with the International Maritime Organisation SOLAS convention, during some part of their voyage to a UK port.

Her Majesty’s Coastguard monitors vessel movements within the UK’s search and rescue region to ensure maritime safety.

HM Coastguard has not requested for any vessel to be examined at a UK port because of an absence of an Automatic Identification System signal because of a suspicion of illegal activity.