Get permission for marine work
Find out if your marine activity needs a licence, exemption or permission from another authority or organisation.
Overview
Many activities in and around the sea need permission from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) before they can be carried out.
The MMO is responsible for marine licensing in English waters, Northern Ireland offshore waters, and some activities in other parts of the world. Find out more about MMO’s jurisdiction.
It’s your responsibility to check if you need permission from the MMO, or if an activity is exempt, before you start work.
You also need to get permission from the MMO for a marine wildlife licence if your activity may kill, capture or disturb protected species or habitats.
Other organisations you may need to contact to get permission for marine work
You may also need to get permission from other organisations for some marine work.
These include:
- the Crown Estate, to apply for a Seabed Survey Licence
- the Environment Agency, to apply for an environmental permit if your activity involves discharging water or liquid waste, or to apply for a water abstraction licence
- your Local Planning Authority, to get planning permission if any part of your activity takes place on land
- Natural England, if your activity is on or near a site of special scientific interest
- the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), to apply for offshore energy consent if you’re generating energy offshore
- a Statutory Harbour Authority, to apply for a Harbour Order if your activity involves port developments
How to get permission
We’ll ask you a few questions about your activity to:
- check if you need permission from the MMO
- find out what type of permission you need
- explain how to apply for a marine licence or tell the MMO about your activity
You’ll need to know:
- what your activity involves
- where it will take place
- how it will be carried out
Manage your previous marine work
If you’ve started an application, sent a request, or told us about an exempt activity before 18 November 2025, use the Marine Case Management System (MCMS).
If you’ve told us about an exempt activity after 18 November 2025, use Get permission for marine work.