Get permission for marine work
Find out if your marine activity needs a licence, exemption or other permission.
Overview
Many activities in and around the sea need permission from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) before they can be carried out.
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 what you need before starting work.
Activities that may need permission
You may need permission for the following activities:
- construction (including maintenance, alteration or improvement of existing structures and assets)
- dredging
- deposit of any substance or object
- removal of any substance or object
- incineration of any substance or object
- scuttling (sinking) of a vessel or floating container
- use of explosives
Types of permission
Standard marine licence
A standard marine licence covers all activities not included in an exemption or self-service marine licence. Find out more about the standard marine licence process.
Self-service marine licence
A self-service marine licence is suitable for activities MMO considers to be low risk and routine. Find out more about self-service.
Exemptions
Some activities do not need a marine licence if they meet the certain criteria and conditions. Find out more about exempt activities.
Other permissions you may need
You may also need permission from other organisations for some types of marine work. This could include:
- seabed survey licence – if your activity interacts with The Crown Estate’s seabed
- planning permission – if any part of your activity takes place on land
- environmental permit – if your activity involves discharging water or effluent (liquid waste)
- water abstraction licence – if taking water from rivers, streams or the sea
- wildlife licence – if your activity may disturb protected species or habitats
- Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) consent – if your activity is on or near an SSSI
- harbour order – if your activity involves port developments
- offshore energy consents - for offshore energy projects
How to get permission
We’ll ask you a few questions about your activity to:
- check if you need permission from MMO
- find out what type of permission you need
- explain how to apply for a marine licence or tell 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.