Statutory Instrument 2026/62, made by the Marine Management Organisation on 26 January 2026 under section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964, updates the legal powers for Lyme Regis harbour and Bridport (West Bay) harbour and makes targeted changes for Weymouth Harbour. It was laid before Parliament on 30 January 2026, extends to England and Wales, and comes into force on 20 February 2026.
Dorset Council is confirmed as the statutory harbour authority for Lyme Regis and Bridport (West Bay), with harbour master powers exercisable within the limits set by the Order. The Council is also a local lighthouse authority for the two harbours under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
Harbour limits are clarified using WGS84 coordinates and by distinguishing water areas from land-based ‘harbour premises’. At West Bay the seaward boundary is an arc at a radius of 1,000 feet, while landward lines cross the River Brit and the seaward footbridge. Dorset Council must keep the authoritative limits and premises plans at the Harbour Masters’ Offices and on the relevant harbour websites, and publish replacements within 30 days if premises change.
The Order incorporates most provisions of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 for Lyme Regis and West Bay, with updated penalties including level 4 fines for non-compliance with harbour master directions. This incorporation does not apply to Weymouth, which is governed by its own legislation as amended by this instrument.
The Council’s general functions cover the maintenance, operation, management and improvement of the harbours, including marking and lighting and the conservation of flora, fauna and geological features. A Harbours Business Plan must be published and maintained, and the Council must have regard to it when exercising harbour functions.
Financial provisions are modernised. Harbours revenue is applied first to operating and maintenance costs, then to borrowing costs and other proper expenses, with any surplus carried to a reserve fund that may support future works and contingencies. The Council gains borrowing powers secured on harbour revenue and property for capital purposes.
Charging powers are broadened. Dorset Council may set reasonable charges for services and facilities, and for the use of non‑ship vessels such as floating platforms. When setting dues it may consider the overall viability of the combined harbour undertaking rather than each harbour in isolation, while aiming so far as reasonably practicable to ensure each harbour’s revenue meets its own annual running costs. Deposits or guarantees may be required, non‑payment can lead to detention of vessels or goods, and charges are recoverable as debts.
Exemptions from ship, passenger and goods dues are confirmed for government and emergency services when acting in the execution of core duties, including HM Revenue and Customs, the Secretary of State for Defence, lifeboat services, police and other emergency services.
The Order creates a clear framework for general directions. Dorset Council may issue directions for navigation safety, the protection of persons and property, and the safe conduct of harbour operations ashore. A public register of in‑force general directions must be maintained at harbour offices and online.
Before giving, amending or revoking a general direction, the Council must consult the Chamber of Shipping, the Royal Yachting Association, the Harbours Advisory Group and other appropriate bodies, display proposals for at least six weeks, and consider all representations. Where a designated consultee maintains objections, the dispute goes to an independent adjudicator, appointed by agreement or, failing that, by the President of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association; a report is expected within around 12 weeks. Emergency or short‑notice directions are permitted for limited periods but longer continuations must go through the standard process.
Harbour masters retain vessel‑specific ‘special direction’ powers covering movement, mooring, loading, fires and ballast and the removal of vessels that pose risks or impede operations. Failure to comply with a general or special direction is an offence punishable on summary conviction by a level 4 fine, with a due diligence defence available.
Modern byelaw powers are consolidated. Byelaws, including those listed in Schedule 1, may apply across the harbours or to specified areas or classes of vessels and vehicles, and carry level 4 penalties on summary conviction. Byelaws must be confirmed by the Secretary of State under the Local Government Act 1972; substantial modifications proposed by the confirming authority require further notice.
Moorings and bunkering are brought onto a firmer regulatory footing. The Council may provide and charge for moorings, require relocation to facilitate new provision, and license existing or new private moorings; owners of existing lawful moorings must obtain a licence within 12 weeks of commencement unless refusal is justified on navigational safety grounds. Commercial refuelling activities in the harbours require an annual licence and attract level 4 penalties if undertaken without one.
Aids to navigation may be erected, altered or removed in places adjacent to the harbours with Trinity House approval. The Council may dredge and use or dispose of arisings subject to waste law; the statutory exemption in section 75 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 does not apply to Lyme Regis, ensuring licensing and environmental controls remain engaged where required.
Safety of structures is addressed through a notice regime requiring owners, lessees or occupiers to remedy insecure or obstructive ‘relevant features’ such as jetties, pontoons or walls. Non‑compliance can lead to works by the Council, cost recovery and a level 3 fine, with a right of appeal to the Secretary of State within 21 days.
Wrecks, unserviceable vessels and other obstructions can be removed, sold or broken up with cost recovery provisions. Save for emergencies, at least 48 hours’ notice must be given before exercising wreck powers, and owners who undertake their own disposal have a seven‑day window provided they act with reasonable diligence and comply with navigational directions. Officers may also board vessels or vehicles for enforcement purposes.
Notifications and savings round out the regime. Injuries to tidal works that pose navigational danger must be notified to Trinity House and the UK Hydrographic Office. Crown rights and the functions of Trinity House are preserved, and the instrument sets practical rules for serving notices by post, email or public display at harbour offices and on websites.
Weymouth‑specific changes are significant. Section 33 of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 (the ‘open port duty’) is restricted in its application at Weymouth to vessels up to 24 metres in length and disapplied altogether within the peninsula area shown on the official plan. The Weymouth Harbour Revision Order 2021 is further amended to align its general direction, moorings and related provisions with the new consultation and enforcement framework.
Transitional provisions preserve existing directions, byelaws, licences and consents in force immediately before commencement. Plans of harbour limits and premises, the peninsula plan and the Council’s explanatory material are to be available at the Harbour Masters’ Offices (The Cobb, Lyme Regis DT7 3JJ; Esplanade, West Bay, Bridport DT6 4HE; 13 Custom House Quay, Weymouth DT4 8BG) and via the relevant harbour websites.
For operators and harbour users, the practical steps now are clear. Watch for consultation on any new general directions, regularise any existing private moorings within the 12‑week window, secure licences for commercial refuelling, and review updated charging schedules. The new regime applies from 20 February 2026.