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Exemptions allow the MMO to be proportionate in its regulation of the marine environment. They make the marine licensing process more efficient and cost effective in specific cases which the MMO considers to be low risk.
If you intend to rely on exemption(s) you must make sure that you meet the relevant qualifying criteria and conditions. You might also need to notify the MMO about your activities.
Please be aware that the ‘Marine Licensing exempted activities’ document above relates only to marine licences. Marine licence exemptions, where they apply, does not remove the requirement for you to secure any other consents, including wildlife licences, where appropriate.
Enforcement action might be taken if it is later determined that the activity, or the circumstances in which it was carried out, are not consistent with the terms of the relevant exemption.
Exempted activities
Together the exemptions orders 2013 and 2011 list 34 activities which may be exempt from requiring a marine licence (“a licence”). These activities are split into three categories:
- exemptions for which no notification is required
- exemption which require notification to be given to the MMO
- exemptions which require approval from the MMO
In addition there is an exemption in Section 75 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 for certain dredging activities, or the disposal of dredged material carried out by or on behalf of a harbour authority.
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