Sheryll Murray News

British Ports Association Welcomes New Legislation

The 2013 Marine Navigation Act introduces important changes to current legislation. The most important single change is the introduction of the ability of harbour authorities to take on harbour direction powers. This will allow harbours, in consultation with users, to manage traffic in the port area in a safe and efficient way. There are many harbours which still have not got these powers and so the new legislation will make a significant contribution to safety and to compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code. There are also changes to the pilotage regime, with the opportunity for a broader range of crew members to apply for Pilotage Exemption Certificates (PECs) as well as powers for ports to divest themselves of pilotage powers if they are no longer needed.