The Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Various Harbours) Harbour Revision Order 2002

Special directions to vessels

20.—(1) The harbour master may give a direction under this article in respect of a vessel anywhere in a harbour area for any of the following purposes:–

(a) requiring persons to comply with a requirement made in or under a general direction;

(b) regulating or requiring the movement, berthing, mooring or unmooring of the vessel;

(c) regulating the loading, discharging, storing and safeguarding of its cargo, fuel, water or stores and the dispatch of its business in the harbour area;

(d) specifying the precautions to be taken in respect of apparatus, machinery and equipment;

(e) as to the use of the motive power of the vessel;

(f) prohibiting or restricting the use of fires or lights;

(g) as to the use of ballast;

(h) requiring the removal from any part of a harbour area of a vessel if–

(i) it is on fire; or

(ii) it is in such condition as to be liable to become immobilised or waterlogged, or to sink; or

(iii) it is making an unlawful use of a harbour area or interfering with the reasonable use or enjoyment thereof by other vessels or persons or the dispatch of business therein; or

(iv) its removal is necessary to enable maintenance or repair work to be carried out in the harbour area or to premises adjacent thereto; and

(v) its removal is considered by the harbour master to be necessary in order to avoid danger to life (including wildlife) or to property.

(2) In an emergency the harbour master may give special directions applicable to all vessels or to a particular class of vessels for any of the purposes mentioned in paragraph (1) above.

(3) A special direction may be given in any manner considered by the harbour master to be appropriate.

(4) The harbour master may revoke or amend a special direction.