Guidance

Construction, alteration or improvement of works

These are the Marine licence requirements for construction activities taking place within the Marine Management Organisation's jurisdiction.

Applies to England and Northern Ireland

Construction, alteration or improvement of works

A marine licence is required to carry out a construction activity within English waters and Northern Ireland offshore waters.

A construction activity comprises any works, no matter their scale:

  • in or over the sea
  • on or under the sea bed

‘Construction’ means to build or make something and includes ‘maintenance’, ‘alteration’ and ‘improvement’ activities.

‘Maintenance’ means the upkeep or repair an existing structure or asset wholly within its existing three dimensional boundaries.

‘Alteration’ or ‘improvement’ means to change an existing structure or asset so that it differs in character from that which already exists.

Published 30 May 2019