Licensable activities and exemptions
A significant part of our remit is to ensure that activities which take place in the marine environment are effectively managed. This is achieved through the new marine licensing system, which enables us to fully consider the range of factors which can influence the marine environment, and if necessary ensure that any impacts are mitigated.
Licensable activities include construction works and deposits and the use of a vehicle, vessel, aircraft, marine structure or floating container to remove any substance or object from the sea bed within the UK marine licensing area. Our aim is to ensure that regulation is proportionate to the risks, recognising also the economic, social and cultural value of marine activities such as diving and archaeology.
In determining all marine licence applications the MMO must have regard to the following:
- the need to protect the environment
- the need to protect human health
- the need to prevent interference with legitimate uses of the sea
- such other matters as we consider relevant.
There is a list below of common marine activities undertaken below the mean high water springs mark or within tidal rivers to the extent of the tide with a brief explanation of how marine licensing affects them. This is not a definitive or comprehensive interpretation of the law. You should always seek your own legal advice.
Contact information
Marine Licensing Team
Marine Management Organisation
Lancaster House
Hampshire Court
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 7YH
Tel: 0300 123 1032
Fax: 0191 376 2681
Email: marine.consents@
marinemanagement.org.uk