Our marine team’s article in the Maritime Journal on Harbour Closure Orders (HCOs) looks at the background to the legislation which introduced HCOs (and has been in force since 1st October 2013, but has yet to be used), new draft guidance and how this might affect harbour authorities.
In August 2015 the statutory guidance was put out for consultation by the Department of Transport (DfT). The Guidance sets out the key criteria to be considered as part of the decision making process. This represents a significant change to the existing regime and it is important for SHAs and port users to understand the new options available to them. The consultation closes on 13 October 2015.