Power to permit prohibited ships to enter port

8.—(1) Notwithstanding regulation 7, if this regulation applies, the Secretary of State may allow a ship access to a specific port or anchorage in the United Kingdom.

(2) This regulation applies if the Secretary of State—

(a) considers that a circumstance in paragraph (3) applies in relation to the ship; and

(b) is satisfied that adequate measures to ensure safe entry have been implemented by the company or master of the ship.

(3) The circumstances are—

(a) force majeure;

(b) overriding safety considerations;

(c) the need to reduce or minimise the risk of pollution; or

(d) the need to have deficiencies rectified.