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 also amends the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to reflect these changes and clarify responsibilities.

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 be responsible for the operation and maintenance of navigation aids (lighthouses, buoys, beacons, etc.) and collecting light dues from ships entering UK waters. It will be a corporate body, independent of the Crown, funded by the General Lighthouse Fund. The Secretary of State will appoint its members, including a chairperson and between nine and eleven other members, with at least four representing ship owners contributing to the fund. The Commission will also have the power to engage in commercial activities (hire and service agreements), subject to the Office's consent.

The Office will regulate the Commission's work, ensuring the safe and efficient provision and maintenance of navigation aids. It will set light due charges, administer the General Lighthouse Fund, and produce an annual report. The Secretary of State will appoint its members, including a chairperson and at least four others. The Office will appoint a Chief Executive with Treasury approval.

The bill amends the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to transfer responsibilities for the operation and maintenance of navigation aids from the Secretary of State and general lighthouse authorities to the Commission and the Office. It also makes various consequential amendments to the Act to reflect the establishment of the two new bodies.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly increase or decrease overall UK government spending. The Commission and the Office will be funded by the General Lighthouse Fund, which is financed by light dues collected from shipping. However, the restructuring of responsibilities may lead to shifts in spending between different government departments and the new bodies.

Groups Affected

• Shipping Companies: May experience changes in light due charges set by the Office.
• General Lighthouse Authorities: Will see a transfer of their responsibilities to the Commission.
• Marine Navigation Professionals: May see changes to their employment and working conditions.
• The Secretary of State and other government departments: Will have reduced responsibilities related to navigation aids.
• Local Lighthouse Authorities: Will be subject to directions from the Commission regarding the operation of lighthouses, buoys, and beacons.

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