Overview

This bill establishes a Marine Navigation Aids Commission and an Office of Marine Navigation Aids Regulation to oversee the operation and maintenance of navigation aids in UK waters. The bill transfers responsibilities for these aids from existing general lighthouse authorities and the Secretary of State to the new bodies, and makes consequential amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Description

The bill creates two new bodies: the Marine Navigation Aids Commission (the Commission) and the Office of Marine Navigation Aids Regulation (the Office). The Commission will operate and maintain navigation aids (lighthouses, buoys, beacons, etc.) and collect light dues. The Office will regulate the Commission's work, ensuring safe and efficient operation of navigation aids and administering the General Lighthouse Fund.

The Commission will be appointed by the Secretary of State and include members representing ship owners who contribute to the General Lighthouse Fund, and consultation with the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers, and the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland will be required. The Office will also have a chairperson and other members appointed by the Secretary of State.

The bill amends the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, transferring responsibilities for the operation and maintenance of marine navigation aids from the general lighthouse authorities and the Secretary of State to the Commission and the Office. It also allows the Commission to engage in commercial activities (hire and service agreements) with the consent of the Office. The Office will produce an annual report for the Secretary of State. Significant changes are made to sections 193-223 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, predominantly replacing references to the Secretary of State and general lighthouse authorities with the new Commission and Office.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify changes to overall government spending. However, the transfer of responsibilities from existing authorities and the Secretary of State to the newly created bodies, funded by the General Lighthouse Fund which is sustained by light dues, may shift budgetary allocations within government departments. The bill outlines that the new Commission and Office will be funded by the General Lighthouse Fund and there will be a portion of this fund allocated for pensions payments, the details of which will be determined by the Secretary of State.

Groups Affected

• General Lighthouse Authorities: Will lose their responsibilities for operating and maintaining navigation aids, potentially impacting staffing and budgets.
• Ship Owners: May experience changes in light dues collection and levels.
• Marine Navigation Industry: May experience changes in regulations and oversight of the sector.
• Secretary of State and Government Departments: Will see a shift in responsibilities and potential budgetary changes.
• Local Lighthouse Authorities: Will be subject to directions from the new Marine Navigation Aids Commission, regarding maintenance and operation of lighthouses, buoys, and beacons.

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