Overview

The Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill aims to update and clarify various aspects of marine navigation and harbour management in the UK, impacting pilotage, harbour authorities' powers, port constables' jurisdiction, general lighthouse authorities' activities, and wreck marking. The bill makes several amendments to existing legislation, primarily the Pilotage Act 1987, the Harbours Act 1964, and the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Description

This bill makes several key changes to existing legislation relating to marine navigation and harbours. Key changes include:

• Pilotage: The bill modifies the rules surrounding pilotage exemption certificates, allowing for their suspension or revocation under specified circumstances (e.g., providing false information or professional misconduct). It also clarifies the requirements for pilotage notification and updates the definition of "deck officer". The Secretary of State gains power to remove pilotage functions from harbour authorities.
• Harbour Authorities: Designated harbour authorities gain the power to issue directions regarding ship movements, mooring, equipment, and manning within their harbours. The Secretary of State is given the power to issue harbour closure orders, relieving harbour authorities of statutory functions where harbours are no longer commercially viable.
• Port Constables: The bill extends the jurisdiction of port constables in England and Wales to allow them to act outside their designated area with the consent of the chief police officer of the relevant area.
• General Lighthouse Authorities: General lighthouse authorities are allowed to engage in commercial activities (hire and service agreements) with the consent of the Secretary of State, provided it doesn't hinder their primary functions. Their areas of operation are also clarified.
• Manning Requirements and Wreck Marking: The bill clarifies manning requirements for ships and updates regulations related to marking the location of wrecks.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to overall government spending. However, the provisions allowing harbour closures could lead to potential savings for the government if it is no longer necessary to support financially struggling harbours. Conversely, there may be costs associated with compensation payments following the revocation of pilotage certificates or the transfer of harbour authority functions. The cost of implementing the new powers and responsibilities conferred on government departments is also unknown.

Groups Affected

• Harbour Authorities: The bill significantly impacts harbour authorities, granting them new powers (harbour directions) while simultaneously giving the Secretary of State the power to remove their pilotage functions and potentially close down non-viable harbours. They will also face new responsibilities under the harbour closure scheme.
• Pilots and Ship Masters: Pilots will face stricter regulations regarding pilotage exemption certificates and the potential for suspension or revocation. Ship masters will need to comply with new pilotage notification and harbour direction requirements.
• Port Constables: Port constables in England and Wales will see an expansion of their jurisdiction, provided they receive consent from the chief police officer of the relevant area.
• General Lighthouse Authorities: These authorities will have the opportunity to generate additional revenue through commercial activities but must obtain the consent of the Secretary of State.
• Ship Owners and Operators: They must adhere to the new regulations regarding pilotage, harbour directions, and manning requirements.
• Employees of Harbour Authorities: Harbour closures could lead to job losses. The bill does include provisions for compensation, though the specifics are not detailed.
• The Public: The public will benefit from improved safety and more efficiently managed ports and harbours, although there may be short-term disruption during harbour closures.

Powered by nyModel