Article 18 General directions to vessels

(1)

The Comhairle may after consultation with the Royal Yachting Association give directions for the purpose of promoting or securing conditions conducive to the ease, convenience or safety of navigation and the safety of persons and property in a harbour area and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, for any of the following purposes: _

(a)

for designating areas, routes or fairways in a harbour area which vessels are to use, or refrain from using, for movement, mooring or anchorage;

(b)

for securing that vessels move only at certain times or during certain periods;

(c)

for securing that vessels make use of descriptions of aids to navigation specified in the direction;

(d)

for prohibiting–

(i)

entry into a harbour area by a vessel which for any reason would be or likely to become a danger to other vessels in a harbour area, or to persons, property, flora or fauna in a harbour area; and

(ii)

entry into or navigation within any of the main fairways during any temporary obstruction thereof;

(e)

for prohibiting entry into or movement in a harbour area or the approaches by vessels at times of poor visibility due to the weather or to the presence of dust or smoke;

Provided that no direction given under sub-paragraph (e) above shall prevent the entry into a harbour area or the approaches of any vessel seeking refuge from stress of weather;

(f)

requiring the master of a vessel to give to the harbour master information relating to the vessel reasonably required by the harbour master for effecting any of the purposes of this paragraph.

(2)

A direction under this article may apply–

(a)

to all vessels or to a class of vessels designated, or for which the designation is provided for, in the direction; or

(b)

to the whole of a harbour area or to a part designated, or for which the designation is provided for, in the direction; or

(c)

at all times or at times designated, or for which the designation is provided for, in the direction;

and every direction under this article shall specify the extent of its application in relation to the matters referred to in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above.

(3)

The Comhairle may after consultation with the Royal Yachting Association revoke or amend any general direction.