Explanatory note

This Order amends the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/409) (“the 2011 Order”). The 2011 Order specifies licensable marine activities in respect of which a marine licence under Part 4 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23) (“the 2009 Act”) is not required, whether subject to conditions or otherwise.

These amendments apply in relation to any area, and any licensable marine activity carried on in that area, for which the Secretary of State is the appropriate licensing authority under section 113 of the 2009 Act.

The amendments introduce three new exemptions from the requirement to hold a marine licence. Those relate to the recovery of marine litter etc. in the course of diving activities (article 8), permitting harbour authorities to use vehicles or vessels to remove marine litter and debris (article 9) and permitting the deposit of a substance removed from the hull of a vessel in the course of certain removal methods (article 12).

This Order also amends a number of the existing exemptions from the requirement to hold a marine licence set out in the 2011 Order by adding or amending conditions relating to those exemptions.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.