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Marine licensing: proposed changes to exemptions

Seeking views on proposed changes to marine licensing exemptions.

Last fetched 03 May 2026 · gov.uk
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We want to know what you think of our proposed changes to marine licensing exemptions in marine areas. Marine licence exemptions mean that you don’t have to apply for a marine licence to carry out specific activities. We plan to add some new exemptions for:

  • recovery of marine litter and abandoned, discarded or lost fishing gear by recreational divers
  • use of vehicles or vessels to routinely remove marine litter by a Harbour Authority
  • in-water hull cleaning of lightly fouled recreational vessels

We’re also seeking views on removing or amending other exemptions.

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