The RYA have some interesting comments on this piece of proposed legislation, particularly over the power to issue General Directions. Some significant parallels with the debate over the Broads Bill.

http://www.rya.org.uk/NewsAndEvents/newsroom/news/Ryaconcern overproposedmarinenavigationbill.htm

It seems a great shame that the RYA sat back whilst the Broads Authority put forward Special and General Directions in their Bill and then only complain about it when it becomes a nationwide issue. The so called BA -RYA/BMF agreement shows just how useless their idea really is.

If they had really wanted to do something about it they would have petitioned the Bill and not left it to us.

The consultation process for the Marine Navigation Bill has some time to go. Find it here
www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/marinenavbill/

The consultation period is 6 May to 25 July. If you did not think the Broads Authority paid heed to you during the consultation process on the Broads Bill you now get a second chance to influence this by writing to the Department for Transport at the address below.


Please send consultation responses to:

Tony McMillan
Draft Marine Navigation Bill Consultation
Zone 2/34 Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR

Telephone: 020 7944 2912
Fax: 020 7944 2186
Email: mnbill.consultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk


When responding please state whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation. If responding on behalf of a larger organisation please make it clear who the organisation represents, and where applicable, how the views of members were assembled.

A list of statutory organisations/stakeholders that we have sent this consultation to is included in this consultation document. If you have any suggestions of others who may wish to be involved in the consultation process please let us know.

This consultation has been produced in accordance with the principles of the Government Code of Practice on Consultation

not DEFRA

I'm afraid the content of your parentheses is not wholly accurate, Gaffer.

But the petitioning deadline has passed, so if you hadn't found the shortcomings, there's no point going into detail here.

GF

The questions posed in the Draft Marine Navigation Bill include these:
Is the proposal for Harbour Directions properly targeted, with proportionate enforcement provisions?
Do you agree that there should be a power to confer the ability to make Harbour Directions on Harbour Authorities?
Do you agree that it is preferable to confer the ability on application rather than providing that the power is conferred on all Harbour Authorities automatically?
Do you agree with the scope and provisions for the General Directions power which harbour authorities would have?
Do you agree that it is necessary to take powers for mandatory occupational standards for Harbourmasters and pilots?
Do you agree that it is appropriate to give Harbour Authorities a further opportunity to adopt non-statutory standards before introducing a mandatory system?

I did not see these posed in the paper to the Navigation Committee in June. Nor apparently the demise of the Navigation Officer. Clearly those of you who questioned the application of these draconian powers had a case. Even the Department for Transport has reservations. Meanwhile we will sleepwalk into a Broads Bill which will have precedence and these powers will be used to further control and restrict navigation on the Broads.

PS Tomorrow is the last day of the consultation period.