Overview

The Marine Navigation Aids Bill establishes 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, while the Office will regulate the Commission's work and administer the General Lighthouse Fund.

Description

This bill fundamentally reorganizes the management and regulation of marine navigation aids in UK waters. Key aspects include:

• Establishment of the Marine Navigation Aids Commission: This body corporate will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of navigation aids (lighthouses, buoys, beacons, etc.) across the UK and its surrounding waters, including Gibraltar, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. It will collect light dues from ships.
• Establishment of the Office of Marine Navigation Aids Regulation: This body corporate will oversee the Commission, ensuring safe and efficient operation of navigation aids. It will set light due charges, administer the General Lighthouse Fund, and commission relevant research.
• Transfer of Responsibilities: Responsibilities previously held by the Secretary of State and general lighthouse authorities will be transferred to the Commission and the Office.
• Commercial Activities: The Commission is allowed to engage in commercial activities (hire and service agreements), subject to Office consent and ensuring no prejudice to its primary functions.
• Control of Local Lighthouses: The Commission can issue directions to local lighthouse authorities regarding the management of lighthouses, buoys, and beacons, with the consent of the Office.
• General Lighthouse Fund: The General Lighthouse Fund will finance both the Commission and the Office. The bill amends the existing rules around its administration and pension provisions.
• Amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995: The bill makes numerous amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to reflect the new structure and responsibilities.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify changes to overall government spending. However, it shifts the financial responsibility for operating and maintaining marine navigation aids from the government to the newly established Commission, funded by light dues. The exact financial impact will depend on the level of light dues set by the Office and the costs incurred by the Commission.

Groups Affected

• Shipping Companies: Will be affected by the new light due charges set by the Office.
• General Lighthouse Authorities: Will have their responsibilities transferred to the Commission and the Office.
• Local Lighthouse Authorities: Will be subject to directions from the Commission (with Office consent) regarding their lighthouses, buoys, and beacons.
• Employees of General Lighthouse Authorities: May experience changes to their employment due to the transfer of responsibilities, potentially including pension changes.
• Secretary of State: Will have reduced direct responsibility for marine navigation aids, with oversight transferred to the Office.

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