Scuttling of any vessel or floating container
This guidance outlines the circumstances under which a marine licence may be required from the Marine Management Organisation.
Applies to England and Northern Ireland
Overview
A marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is required to scuttle any vessel or floating container within English waters or Northern Ireland offshore waters.
Scuttling anywhere else in the world
A marine licence is required from the MMO to scuttle a vessel or floating container anywhere else at sea if the scuttling is controlled from a:
- British vessel
- British aircraft
- British marine structure
Definitions for ‘British vessel’, ‘British aircraft’ and ‘British marine structure’ are outlined in Section 115 (1) of the Marine Coastal Access Act 2009.
A marine licence is also required to scuttle any vessel or floating container anywhere at sea if the vessel or container has been towed or propelled for the purpose of the scuttling from any part of the UK (except Scotland) or English waters or Northern Ireland offshore waters.