Jurisdiction BRd 2
CHAPTER 37
JURISDICTION
(MOD Sponsor: FLEET DCS LAW DIS)
These articles are not considered suitable for inclusion in the relevant section of BR 11,
Manual of Naval Law. More extensive rules and regulations on jurisdiction can be found in
BR 11, Manual of Naval Law.
CONTENTS
Para
3701. Naval Air Sections and Units at RAF Stations
3702. Ministry of Defence Police
3703. Sea Transport Officers
3704. Men Detailed for Duty with or under Civilian Organizations
3705. Officers and Ratings who are Lent to Merchant Ships, or Take Passage in, or
are Appointed or Drafted to RFAs etc.
3706. Jurisdiction in the United Kingdom
3707. Jurisdiction in Colonial Territories
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BRd 2 Jurisdiction
CHAPTER 37
JURISDICTION
3701. Naval Air Sections and Units at RAF Stations
1. Naval air sections or organized naval air units at RAF stations are to conduct their
flying in accordance with JSP 550, Military Aviation Policy Regulations and Directives,
conforming as necessary to any flying or administrative arrangement deemed necessary
by the Commanding Officer of the station. Where these are in conflict with naval
regulations, clarification is to be sought from the naval administrative authority. (See also
BR 11, Manual of Naval Law.)
3702. Ministry of Defence Police
1. When serving in naval establishments, Ministry of Defence Police are not to be borne
on ships’ books.
2. The Ministry of Defence Police are on the same footing as the local police, and the
Captain has no authority to issue any instructions to them or to interfere in any way with
their administration. It is the duty of the senior police officer to meet the Captain’s wishes
in every way possible, but when the Captain’s requirements are beyond the capacity of the
Ministry of Defence Police, or if they conflict with the instructions that the police have
received from their own superior officers, the senior police officer will inform the Captain
and the Assistant Chief Constable, Ministry of Defence Police, of the area concerned, that
he cannot comply with the Captain’s wishes.
3. In any case of doubt or difficulty, the Captain is to refer to the Assistant Chief
Constable, Ministry of Defence Police, of the area concerned. (See also BR 11, Manual of
Naval Law.)
3703. Sea Transport Officers
1. When Sea Transport Officers become subject to the Act by virtue of their being
granted naval rank, they will come under the control of their Commanding Officer and of
the senior naval officer of the area to which they are appointed, to the same extent as other
naval officers. All disciplinary questions affecting such officers, including proposals for
relief on grounds of misconduct, are then to be dealt with through the usual Service
channels and not direct with the Director of Sea Transport.
2. Whether serving as civilians or as naval officers, Sea Transport Officers are
responsible to the Director of Sea Transport and not the Ministry of Defence, and it is not
open to naval authorities to alter the duties of Sea Transport Officers or their staffs.
3704. Men Detailed for Duty with or under Civilian Organizations
1. The civilian staff of training and educational establishments and of private firms where
ratings are undergoing training, including vocational training, cannot give lawful
commands as superior officers within the meaning of the Act.
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2. Men detailed for duty or training with or under such organizations are to comply with
any proper instructions given to them by a member of the competent civilian authority. This
regulation is to be brought to their notice on being so detailed, and any breach of it may
then be charged and tried as conduct to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline.
3705. Officers and Ratings who are Lent to Merchant Ships, or Take Passage in, or
are Appointed or Drafted to RFAs etc.
1. When officers and ratings take passage in, or are appointed or drafted for service in
RFAs or lent to merchant ships under Para 0734, they are to comply with any instructions
given to them by, or with the authority of, the Master for the proper working or management
of the ship. Any breach of this regulation may be dealt with as conduct to the prejudice of
good order and naval discipline under the Act.
2. Commanding Officers are to bring this Article to the attention of all officers and ratings
concerned, and a reference to it is to be made in the written orders for naval parties
permanently embarked in RFAs.
3706. Jurisdiction in the United Kingdom
1. Details are contained in BR 11, Manual of Naval Law.
3707. Jurisdiction in Colonial Territories
1. Details are contained in BR 11, Manual of Naval Law.
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