The Dee Estuary Conservancy Harbour Revision Order 2023

General directions to vessels

13.—(1) The conservancy authority may, after consultation with—

(a) the Dee Estuary Consultative Committee,

(b) the Chamber of Shipping, and

(c) the Royal Yachting Association,

except in cases of emergency, give directions for the purpose of promoting or securing conditions conducive to the ease, convenience or safety of navigation and the safety of persons and property in the estuary.

(2) The conservancy authority may in particular give directions for, but not limited to, any of the following purposes—

(a) for designating areas, routes or channels in the estuary which vessels are to use or refrain from using for movement, mooring or anchorage;

(b) for securing that vessels move only at certain times or during certain periods;

(c) for securing that vessels make use of descriptions of aids to navigation specified in the direction;

(d) for prohibiting—

(i) entry into the estuary by a vessel which for any reason would be, or be likely to become, a danger to other vessels in the estuary, or to persons, property, flora or fauna in the estuary; and

(ii) entry into, or navigation within, the channels during any temporary obstruction of them;

(e) for prohibiting entry into, or movement in, the estuary or its approaches by vessels, other than small vessels, at times of poor visibility due to the weather or the presence of dust or smoke, subject to the condition in sub-paragraph (f);

(f) the condition mentioned in sub-paragraph (e) is that no direction given under that sub-paragraph prevents the entry into the estuary or its approaches of any vessel seeking refuge from the stress of weather;

(g) for requiring the master of a vessel to give to the harbour master information relating to the vessel which is reasonably required by the harbour master for effecting any of the purposes of this paragraph.

(3) A direction under this article may apply—

(a) to all vessels or to a class of vessels designated, or for which the designation is provided for, in the direction; or

(b) to the whole of the estuary or to a part designated, or for which the designation is provided for, in the direction; or

(c) at all times or at times designated, or for which the designation is provided for, in the direction,

and every direction given under this article must specify the extent of its application in relation to the matters referred to in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).

(4) The conservancy authority may, after consultation with the Dee Estuary Consultative Committee, the Chamber of Shipping and the Royal Yachting Association, except in cases of emergency, revoke or amend any general direction given under this article.