The Dee Estuary Conservancy Harbour Revision (No. 2) Order 2023

Notification of accidents and deficiencies, etc.

7.—(1) The master of a vessel which—

(a) has been involved in a collision with any vessel or property, or has been sunk or grounded or become stranded, in the estuary,

(b) is within, or about to enter, the estuary and by reason of accident, fire, defect or otherwise is in such a condition as to affect its safe navigation or to give rise to danger to other vessels or property, or

(c) in any manner gives rise to an obstruction to a channel,

must give immediate notice of that fact to the harbour master and, as soon as practicable following the giving of such notice, provide the harbour master with full details in writing.

(2) Where the condition of a vessel is such that it is not or may not be seaworthy, the master must not move the vessel—

(a) except to clear the channel, or

(b) except to moor or anchor it in safety,

unless the master moves it with the permission and in accordance with the directions of the harbour master.

(3) The harbour master may mark any vessel the subject of a notice given under sub-paragraph (1) in any manner that the harbour master considers appropriate.

(4) In sub-paragraph (2), “seaworthy” in relation to a vessel means that the vessel with its master and crew is capable, having regard to any intended movement of the vessel within or through the estuary, of being navigated or manoeuvred safely.