Overview

The Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill aims to update and improve various aspects of marine navigation and harbour management in the UK. It makes changes to pilotage regulations, grants harbour authorities more powers, extends the jurisdiction of port constables, and alters the responsibilities of general lighthouse authorities.

Description

This bill modifies existing legislation concerning marine navigation and harbours, primarily the Pilotage Act 1987 and the Harbours Act 1964. Key changes include:

Pilotage

The bill clarifies and expands the powers to remove harbour authorities’ pilotage functions, giving the Secretary of State (and devolved administrations) more control. It updates requirements for pilotage exemption certificates, allowing for their suspension or revocation under specific circumstances. New provisions clarify the process for pilotage notification.

Harbour Authorities

Designated harbour authorities gain the power to issue "harbour directions" concerning ship movement, mooring, equipment, and manning within their harbours. The Secretary of State (and devolved administrations) is given the power to make harbour closure orders, allowing for the closure of non-viable harbours. This includes provisions for the transfer of functions, property, and liabilities.

Port Constables

The bill extends the jurisdiction of port constables in England and Wales, allowing them to act outside their designated area with the consent of the chief officer of police of the area in question.

General Lighthouse Authorities

General lighthouse authorities are given the ability to engage in commercial activities, such as hiring out assets or providing services, subject to Secretary of State approval. Their areas of operation are also clarified.

Manning & Wrecks

The bill updates the regulations concerning manning requirements for ships and clarifies the methods for marking the location of wrecks.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify changes to government spending. However, the increased powers given to harbour authorities might lead to altered spending patterns on harbour maintenance and development. The potential costs associated with harbour closures and the transfer of liabilities are not detailed.

Groups Affected

• Harbour Authorities: Gain new powers and responsibilities, potentially impacting their budgets and operations. They also face the possibility of having pilotage functions removed or being subject to harbour closure orders.
• Ship Masters and Deck Officers: Subject to new pilotage regulations and harbour directions, potentially impacting their operations and potentially leading to increased administrative burden.
• Pilots: Affected by changes to pilotage exemption certificates, including the possibility of suspension or revocation.
• Port Constables: Experience an extension of their jurisdiction, possibly increasing their workload.
• General Lighthouse Authorities: Gain the ability to engage in commercial activities, potentially impacting their income and operational strategies.
• Environmental Groups: May be impacted by harbour closure orders, requiring environmental assessments for relevant projects.
• Users of Harbours: May experience changes to harbour operations due to new harbour directions and closure orders.

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