Trip to France and Immigration officials

[yf1]

Hello all,

we are planning a trip accross the channel in a few weeks. One of the crew will be a non eu citizen, but holding a valid visa to France. All the documents are in order as if he was flying, say. So, the question is, how does immigration work when one is travelling by boat, do I need to call French coastguard on approach and let them know I have a non eu person onboard? Will they board and stamp the passport in question there and then? Etc., Etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Das_Boot]

Expect arrogance. Fly the yellow flag.

 

[yf1]

yip, will do, ta

 

[Trevethan]

Also refers to trip to France but about annoying Eurostar security.. sort of boaty

I did a trip to France recently via Eurostar. Unknowingly left my knife in my rucksack from last time I went on a picnic -- a folding SOG tomcat. 3 inch blade lock knife. (expensive too)

Anyway They saw it on xray machine and got all excited. Pulled luggage apart and pulled out knife. Ah says the security officer, This is an offensive weapon. I said no it is my little camping knife.

Nope he says the blade locks therefore offensive. I said the blade locks to keep my fingers safe. nope he says the blade locks which means you can stab people with it.

Pointed out had I brought a tool kit would he had taken the hammers, screwdrivers, files, etc etc etc.

Also pointed out threat to tunnel from penknife was pretty remote and you can't crash a train into a skyscraper, no matter what you are armed with.

He then says I have two choices.. wait for police to show up and arrest me or hand it over to them and they will "dispose" of it. (probaly sell it the greedy buggers)

Asked if I could just mail it to myself. No they said.

Running late so went for option two and said goodbye to knife I have had for over 10 years

But this means anyone going camping in Europe or sailing for that matter cannot take an essential piece of equipment with them.

Means my new leatherman is illeagal according to eurostar, but the old one isn't as it does not lock.

Moaning over

Nick