Application for new docking beds

The Marine and Fisheries Agency administers a range of statutory controls that apply to marine works, including all construction, coastal defences, dredging and the disposal of waste materials at sea in waters around England and Wales for which responsibility is vested in the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the National Assembly for Wales.

The Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA) 1985

FEPA licences mainly permit construction within the marine environment, or the deposition of materials at sea.

Construction includes not only materials used during construction of, for example, new harbours, offshore structures, pontoons, jetties, land reclamation or sea walls but also their use in 'soft-engineered' sea defences, such as beach nourishment, and associated groynes and revetments. A separate licence may be required for the disposal of dredgings arising during such works.

Apply for a marine licence

The Marine and Fisheries Agency administers marine licences and consents under the Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA), Coast Protection Act (CPA) - or equivalent local harbours legislation for which the Secretary of State's approval is required, and Telecommunications Act.

An applicant can apply for various consents in combination. This offers benefits to applicants by reducing the burden of duplicate application and providing a single point of contact for enquiries. This approach also enables joint consultation with the nature conservation bodies and other interested parties and a more holistic assessment of proposed projects. However, if an applicant wishes to apply for separate consents this is also possible.

To apply for a marine consent please either:

• Submit a FEPA and/or CPA application online
• Download an application form
• Request an application form from the Marine and Fisheries Agency

Please use the online application wherever possible. This reduces the MFA licence processing time and the applicant receives a £100 discount on the normal licence charge.

A fee will be charged for all Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA) licences. Payments must be made at he time an application is submitted.

More information is available on the Marine and Fisheries Agency website.