Made on 26 January 2026 and laid before Parliament on 30 January 2026, the Lyme Regis, Bridport (West Bay) and Weymouth Harbour Revision Order 2026 comes into force on 20 February 2026. Made by the Marine Management Organisation under section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964, it consolidates and modernises harbour powers for Lyme Regis and West Bay and amends the 2021 regime at Weymouth.
Jurisdiction is clarified. Dorset Council is confirmed as the statutory harbour authority for Lyme Regis and Bridport (West Bay), with the harbour master’s powers exercisable within newly defined limits and associated harbour premises. The Council is also a local lighthouse authority under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (articles 4 and 6).
Harbour boundaries are described by co‑ordinates and mapped on harbour limits and harbour premises plans. The Council must keep those plans available at Harbour Masters Office, The Cobb, Lyme Regis DT7 3JJ and Harbour Masters Office, Esplanade, West Bay, Bridport DT6 4HE and online at www.lymeregisharbour.co.uk and www.bridportharbour.co.uk, publishing replacement plans within 30 days if premises change (article 6).
Governance of the harbour undertaking is strengthened. Dorset Council must publish and maintain a Harbours Business Plan and have regard to it when exercising harbour functions (article 5(3)). Incorporation of most provisions of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 brings updated penalties, including level 4 fines for non‑compliance with directions under sections 53 and 63, though this incorporation does not apply to Weymouth (article 3). The Business Plan must also be accessible at Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ and via the harbour websites.
Finance provisions set the order of application for harbours revenue, enable a reserve fund and provide borrowing powers for capital purposes (articles 7–9). Charging powers are modernised: the Council may levy reasonable charges for non‑ship craft and for services and facilities, with the Harbours Act 1964 procedures on published dues and objections applying as appropriate (articles 10–11).
For budget planning, the Council may consider the overall viability of the wider harbour undertaking when setting charges, while ensuring each harbour’s revenue covers its annual operating and maintenance costs so far as reasonably practicable (article 12). Charges are payable before removal of vessels or goods, with joint and several liability, options for deposits or guarantees, and powers to refuse entry or detain vessels and goods until paid (articles 13–17).
Exemptions from ship, passenger and goods dues are confirmed for HM Revenue and Customs, Defence, police and lifeboat services when acting in the execution of core duties, and for goods under customs seizure (article 18). Unpaid charges remain recoverable as civil debts, and the harbour master may prevent sailing until evidence of payment is produced (articles 19–20).
A comprehensive general directions regime covers navigation, safety and operational matters ashore (article 21). Before giving, amending or revoking a general direction, the Council must consult designated consultees-the Chamber of Shipping, Royal Yachting Association and the Harbours Advisory Group-through a minimum six‑week process, with referral to an independent adjudicator who should report within 12 weeks where objections are maintained (article 22). In emergencies or for short‑duration activities, expedited directions may be used. All in‑force general directions must be listed on a public register at harbour offices and online, with local notice of changes (articles 21–23).
The harbour master retains powers to issue special directions to named vessels on movement, loading and discharge, ballast, fire precautions and removal where safety or obstruction risks arise, including removal outside the harbour if necessary to avoid danger (article 24). Failure to comply with general or special directions is an offence punishable by a level 4 fine, with a due diligence defence (article 25). The harbour master may enforce non‑compliance and recover reasonable expenses, while the master’s overarching responsibility for the vessel remains unaffected (articles 26–27).
Byelaw powers are refreshed and require confirmation by the Secretary of State, who may confirm with or without modification under Local Government Act 1972 procedures. Defences include due diligence and reasonable excuse. Existing directions, byelaws and agreements continue notwithstanding amendments and revocations (articles 28–30).
Stakeholder governance is formalised. Dorset Council must establish one or more advisory bodies representing harbour interests, meeting at least twice a year. Except in emergencies, the Council must consult these bodies on matters substantially affecting management, conservation or regulation and consider representations within a reasonable period (article 31).
Land and commercial provisions allow the Council to use and develop land in or near the harbours, invest through companies, lease or dispose of harbour property, appropriate areas for particular uses and delegate functions to companies, except for functions restricted by the Harbours Act 1964 Schedule 2 paragraph 9B (articles 32–36).
Moorings are brought under a clearer regime. The Council may provide moorings and charge for their use, require relocation and license existing and future moorings. Owners of moorings already lawfully laid down must obtain a Council licence within 12 weeks of commencement. Offences apply for unlicensed or unauthorised moorings, with removal and cost recovery powers (articles 37–39).
Commercial refuelling activities, including recharging for alternative power, require annual licensing with fees. Undertaking such activities without a licence is an offence punishable by a level 4 fine. The Council may install, alter or remove aids to navigation adjacent to the harbours with approval from Trinity House (articles 40–41).
Dredging powers cover deepening, widening and scouring with the ability to use or dispose of arisings subject to waste law (article 42). The marine licensing exemption in section 75 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 does not apply at Lyme Regis, so dredging there is not exempt from licensing. The Council may require owners to repair hazardous or dilapidated structures, with a right of appeal to the Secretary of State (article 43).
Wreck and obstruction provisions allow action on sunken or abandoned vessels and other obstructions, with notice where practicable, cost recovery from owners and disposal and vesting rules, including a 24‑month period for owners to claim any sale surplus. Except in emergencies, at least 48 hours’ notice is required before wreck powers are exercised, with a seven‑day pause if the owner elects to dispose of the vessel (articles 44–46). Authorised officers may board vessels or vehicles to enforce harbour legislation (article 47).
Safeguards maintain the rights of Trinity House and the Crown. Service of notices is primarily by first‑class post, with email permitted by agreement or public display where owners are unknown. The Council must notify Trinity House and the UK Hydrographic Office where damage to tidal works presents navigational danger (articles 48–52).
At Weymouth, the Order restricts the open port duty in section 33 of the 1847 Act so that it applies only to vessels up to 24 metres in length and does not apply to a defined peninsula area (article 53). The Weymouth Harbour Revision Order 2021 is amended to align general directions, moorings and land powers and to make minor textual corrections (article 54 and Schedule 2). The public register of general directions is available at Weymouth Harbour Office, 13 Custom House Quay, Weymouth DT4 8BG and www.weymouth-harbour.co.uk.
For harbour users and operators, immediate actions are practical. Existing private moorings should be regularised within 12 weeks of 20 February 2026. Prospective bunkering providers should plan for licensing. Masters and clubs should monitor the harbour websites and office notices for consultations and for the public register of directions. Finance teams should align budgets with the revised charging framework and note the ability to detain vessels for unpaid charges. Operators of vessels over 24 metres calling at Weymouth should review the narrowed open port duty and local access arrangements.