Overview

The Marine Navigation Bill aims to update and clarify existing legislation related to marine navigation in the UK, primarily focusing on pilotage, harbour authorities, and manning requirements for vessels. It introduces new powers for the Secretary of State and devolved administrations to manage and potentially close underperforming harbours, while also modernizing regulations concerning crew competency.

Description

The Bill makes several key changes:

Pilotage

It amends the Pilotage Act 1987, giving the Secretary of State (and the Scottish and Welsh Ministers in their respective jurisdictions) the power to temporarily suspend the status of "competent harbour authorities" under certain circumstances. This includes a requirement for consultation before taking such action.

Harbour Authorities

The Bill adds a new section to the Harbours Act 1964, allowing for the creation of "closure orders." These orders can relieve harbour authorities of statutory duties related to maintaining a harbour, if it's no longer commercially viable or necessary. The process requires consultation with the relevant harbour authority, with the Secretary of State (or devolved administrations) having the final say. Closure orders can also transfer assets and responsibilities to other bodies and include provisions for compensation and property transfer.

Manning Requirements

The Bill amends the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. It allows for the simplification of standards of competence by allowing reference to external documents and updates to those documents to be incorporated as needed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, potential costs could arise from managing harbour closures, providing compensation, and administering the new powers granted to the Secretary of State and devolved administrations. Conversely, closure of uneconomic harbours might lead to reduced government expenditure on maintaining such facilities.

Groups Affected

• Harbour Authorities: Potentially significant impact, ranging from temporary suspension of "competent authority" status to complete closure of harbours, with implications for employment and financial stability.
• Shipping Companies: Changes in pilotage and harbour operations could affect their costs and routes.
• Seafarers: Changes to manning requirements could affect employment conditions and training standards.
• Local Communities: Harbour closures could have a negative impact on local economies and employment.
• Environmental Groups: The closure process includes environmental impact assessments which could delay or alter any such projects.

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