Merchant Shipping Act 1995

199 Control of local lighthouse authorities

(1) A general lighthouse authority may, within their area, with the consent of the Secretary of State, direct a local lighthouse authority to—

(a) lay down buoys;

(b) remove or discontinue any lighthouse, buoy or beacon; or

(c) make any variation in the character of any lighthouse, buoy or beacon or in the mode of exhibiting lights in any lighthouse, buoy or beacon;

but the authority shall not give a direction without first giving due notice of their intention to do so.

(2) A local lighthouse authority shall not, without the consent of the general lighthouse authority,—

(a) erect or place any lighthouse, buoy or beacon;

(b) remove or discontinue any lighthouse, buoy or beacon;

(c) vary the character of any lighthouse, buoy or beacon or the mode of exhibiting lights in any lighthouse, buoy or beacon.

(3) A direction under subsection (1) above shall be given in writing; and it shall be the duty of a local lighthouse authority to whom such a direction is given to comply with it.

(4) Nothing in this section shall apply to local buoys and beacons placed or erected for temporary purposes.