The scheme is designed to complement the UK counter terrorism strategy, and will establish an intelligence-led border control and security framework, based on electronic processing of information relating to all travellers to and from the UK, for all modes of transport.

E-Borders will require commercial carriers and owners/operators of all vessels scheduled to arrive in or depart the UK to submit to the e-Borders system detailed passenger, service and crew data prior to their departure to and from the UK.

The system will allow for that data to be screened against watchlists prior to travel, so that appropriate responses can be undertaken.

Rob Prow, Chief Officer of Customs and Immigration, explained that:

"The e-Borders scheme will affect all carriers operating between the Islands and the UK and it is, therefore, important to engage with carriers at an early stage."

"We are pleased that senior managers from the UK Border and Immigration Agency were able to visit the Island on 5 March to speak to the various air operators through the Airport User Group. I hope that this will be beneficial to the airlines, general aviation and airport management in planning for the future."

"We expect to conduct a similar exercise with the shipping companies and harbour authority in the near future."

The e-borders scheme has already been tested and trialled in the UK through an operational prototype. Project Semaphore has captured data on over 42 million passenger movements since January 2005, at a current rate of over 30 million per year.

This number is growing all the time, and has generated over 20,000 alerts to border agencies, and contributed to over 1,600 arrests for crimes including murder, rape, assault and significant counter terrorist interventions.

E-Borders will allow for the rapid processing of legitimate travellers whilst enabling the law enforcement agencies to focus their resources on those who are of most interest.

Mr Prow concluded that:

"The UK Government has invited the Crown Dependencies to join in with this programme, which in Guernsey is being led by the Customs and Immigration Service, working closely with our Police colleagues."

"The Service is drafting a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Home Office to take this project forward in the Bailiwick. We see access to the information gained through e-Borders as being a vital tool in the fight against crime in this Bailiwick, particularly in relation to drug trafficking, illegal immigration, financial crime (including money laundering) and other serious crime."