Overview

The Marine Navigation Aids Bill establishes two new bodies: the Marine Navigation Aids Commission (the Commission), responsible for operating and maintaining navigation aids, and the Office of Marine Navigation Aids Regulation (the Office), responsible for regulating the Commission's work. The bill also amends the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to transfer relevant responsibilities from the Secretary of State and existing lighthouse authorities to the new bodies.

Description

The bill creates the Commission, a body corporate funded by the General Lighthouse Fund, to operate and maintain navigation aids (lighthouses, buoys, beacons, etc.) and collect light dues. The Secretary of State appoints the Commission's members, including a chairperson and between six and eight other members, ensuring they have relevant experience.

The Office, also funded by the General Lighthouse Fund, regulates the Commission, ensuring the safe and efficient provision and maintenance of navigation aids, sets light due charges, and administers the General Lighthouse Fund. The Secretary of State appoints its members, including a chairperson and at least four other members. The Office produces an annual report for the Secretary of State.

The bill significantly amends the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, transferring responsibilities relating to navigation aids from the Secretary of State and general/local lighthouse authorities to the Commission and the Office. This includes provisions for commercial activities of the Commission under the supervision of the Office, direction of local lighthouse authorities by the Commission, administration of the General Lighthouse Fund by the Office, and provisions for pensions for employees of both new bodies. The Schedule provides minor and consequential amendments to reflect these transfers.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly increase or decrease overall government spending. The Commission and Office will be funded by the General Lighthouse Fund, which is primarily financed through light dues collected from ships. However, there may be transitional costs associated with the establishment and operation of the new bodies. Specific figures regarding potential transitional costs are not provided in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Shipping companies: Will be affected by the new system for collecting light dues.
• General and local lighthouse authorities: Will have their responsibilities transferred to the Commission and Office.
• Employees of general and local lighthouse authorities: May experience changes in employment, pensions and working conditions.
• The Secretary of State: Will have reduced responsibilities concerning the operation and maintenance of marine navigation aids.
• The Marine Navigation Aids Commission and Office of Marine Navigation Aids Regulation: These newly established bodies will take on the responsibilities outlined in the bill.

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