Activities that may be exempt from requiring a marine licence

Some activities that are marine licensable may qualify as exempt and will not require a Marine Licence. These are identified in the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) Order 2011 and the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026. Additionally, there are exemptions detailed in section 75 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Be aware that the exempted activities order is applicable for activities carried out in the Welsh inshore and Welsh offshore region. The Welsh inshore region extends seaward 12 nautical miles from Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) to the territorial limit. The Welsh offshore region extends beyond the territorial limit to include all areas of the sea in the Welsh Zone.

If you intend to rely on exemption(s) you must make sure that you meet the relevant qualifying criteria and conditions. Welsh Government have issued some guidance on using the exemptions. Where the full conditions of the exemption cannot be met a Marine Licence is required.

When a marine licence exemption applies, it does not remove the requirement for you to secure all other consents or permissions needed for your proposed activity.

There are some common conditions for exemptions that must be satisfied before the exemption can be used, they vary from one exemption to another. Some of the common conditions are assessing the risk to navigation, to the environment, to a protected wreck/historic assets, and assessing the impact to MOD designated danger areas and practice and exercise areas. Where discussion and advice have been necessary with these bodies, prior notice to them may be required. These are detailed in the Welsh Government guidance.

To determine if your proposed activity is likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area, sensitive seabed habitat or the sustainable management of natural resources you must engage with a Statutory Nature Conservation Body. For the Welsh inshore region, contact our advisory team at marine.advice@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk, or for the Welsh offshore region contact the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, retaining a record of discussion for compliance and enforcement purposes. You should also follow any relevant guidance, as appropriate, produced by the relevant Statutory Nature Conservation Body.

Enforcement action might be taken if it is later determined that the activity, or the circumstances in which it was carried out, are not consistent with the terms of the relevant exemption.

You should contact us (marinelicensing@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk) and the Welsh Government’s enforcement team (marinelicencingenforcement@gov.wales) 15 days prior to any exempt activity commencing, detailing the date of the intended works and the exemption being relied upon.

This list is provided as a guide, should you have any concerns on the ability to satisfy an exemption you should consult the legislation and you may want to consider obtaining your own legal advice.

Activities falling within Part 6 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995

Activities falling within Part 6 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (prevention of pollution) do not require a marine licence.

This is covered by Article 7 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Safety direction under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995

Activities carried out by or on behalf of the Secretary of State in exercise of a power under Schedule 3A to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (Safety directions) do not require a marine licence. This also includes any persons complying with the direction of that schedule or persons avoiding interference with action taken by virtue of that schedule.

When an accident has occurred and there is a risk to safety or of pollution then a licence is not required for any action resulting from directions given by the Government to the owner, master and others in control of a ship. The Secretary of State has appointed a representative who will, in practice, normally issue these directions.

This is covered by Article 7 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Salvage activities

Activities carried out in the course of a salvage operation to ensure the safety of a ship or prevent pollution do not need a marine licence. This does not apply to the removal of wrecks or other objects of archaeological or historical interest

This is covered by Article 9 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Fire fighting etc

A marine licence is not required for the purpose of fighting, or preventing the spread of, any fire.

This is covered by Article 10 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Air accident investigation

A marine licence is not required for deposit or removal activities carried out to recover any substance or object as part of an investigation into an accident involving aircraft.

This is to assist speedy investigation into the causes of an accident. It does not exempt the salvage of historic aircraft.

This is covered by Article 11 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Fishing operations

A marine licence is not required in respect of the following activities carried out in the course of a fishing operation:

  • the deposit of fishing gear (other than for the purpose of disposal)
  • a removal or dredging activity for the purpose of fishing or taking fish, or removing fishing gear
  • the deposit by way of return to the sea, of any fish or other object

This is covered by Article 12 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

“Fish” includes any part of a fish and also shellfish. “Fishing gear” includes gear used to fish for or take shellfish, but does not include anything used in connection with propagation or cultivation of shellfish.

There is a specific exemption Article 13 for deposit, removal or dredging activities carried out for the purpose of propagation or cultivation of shellfish.

Shellfish propagation and cultivation

A marine licence is not required for the following activities carried out in the course of propagation and cultivation of shellfish:

  • the deposit of any shellfish, trestle, cage, pole, rope or line
  • removal activity or dredging activity carried out for the purpose of moving shellfish within the sea

Conditions of this exemption are:

The deposit, removal or dredging activity

  • is not for the purpose of disposal
  • is not for the purpose of creating, altering or maintaining an artificial reef
  • does not cause or would be likely to cause obstruction or danger to navigation
  • is not likely to have significant effect on a marine protected area
  • is not for the purpose of expanding shellfish propagation or cultivation beyond the boundaries of existing activities

Notification must be given to the UK Hydrographic Office at least 5 days before any deposit begins, including details of any structures or markers and their coordinates of latitude and longitude according to the World Geodetic System 1984.

This is covered by Article 13 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Deposit of marine chemical and marine oil treatment substances etc

A marine licence is not required for the deposit of any marine chemical treatment substance, marine oil treatment substance or any substance used for the removing surface fouling matter from the surface of the sea or of the sea bed.

The exemption is subject to the following conditions:

  • substance must be approved for this purpose by Natural Resources Wales acting on behalf of the licencing authority
  • substance must be used in accordance with any conditions to which the approval is subject
  • no deposit is made in an area of the sea of a depth of less than 20 meters or within one nautical mile of any such area, unless approval to do so has been granted by Natural Resources Wales acting on behalf of the licencing authority
  • no deposit of any marine chemical/oil treatment substance may be made below the surface of the sea, unless approval to do so has been granted by Natural Resources Wales acting on behalf of the licencing authority

This is covered by Article 14 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Deposit of equipment to control, contain or recover oil etc

A marine licence is not required for the deposit of any equipment intended to control, contain or recover oil, mixtures containing oil, chemicals, flotsam or algal blooms.

This is covered by Article 15 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Scientific instruments etc

In many cases a marine licence will not be required to deposit scientific instruments or associated equipment in connection with any scientific experiment or survey at sea (or to subsequently remove it).

The UK Hydrographic Office must be informed of the details of deposit or removal of scientific instruments or associated equipment at least 5 days before a deposit occurs and within 5 days of the removal.

A marine licence is not required for the deposit of reagents or tracers that have been approved by Natural Resources Wales acting on behalf of the licencing authorities, but must be used in accordance with any conditions.

This exemption does not apply to:

  • any deposit made for the purpose of disposal,
  • any deposit that may cause or is likely to cause obstruction or danger to navigation, in particular where deposits are tethered to the seabed or when they reduce the navigational clearance by more than 5% by reference to Chart Datum
  • any deposit or removal that is likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area

In addition, we consider the exemption does not apply to:

  • any related construction works, for example to build a structure at sea to contain scientific equipment
  • any dredging –which is considered as any activity using any device to move material from one part of the seabed to another (as defined in section 66(2) of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009)

This is covered by Article 16 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Deposit in the course of aggregates or mineral dredging

A marine licence is not required to return at the site of dredging any substance or object to the sea taken during the course of aggregate or mineral dredging. Objects or substances mean items such as old munitions, litter or other bulky items. (This does not include the aggregates or minerals being dredged.) However, where it is safe for them to do so we strongly encourage vessels to return litter to the shore for recycling.

An aggregate dredger may also discharge water either by overflow returns through its scuppers or by pumping water from the hold of the vessel to drain a cargo. Dredgers do not need a licence for such discharges during such a dredging operation, on completion of dredging or on the return trip to port.

This is covered by Article 17 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Maintenance of coast protection, drainage and flood defence works 

A marine licence is not required for an activity carried out by a Welsh risk management authority, or on behalf of the coast protection authority (usually the local authority) for the purpose of maintaining coastal protection works, drainage works or flood defence works.

The exemption is subject to the condition that the activity is carried out within the existing three-dimensional boundaries of the works being maintained. It does not apply to any activity that consists of beach replenishment.

This is covered by Article 18 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Emergency works in response to flood or flood risk

Activities carried out for emergency works in response to any flood, or the imminent risk of flooding do not require a marine licence.

The exemption does not apply where there has been a failure to maintain a structure before a flood or flood risk occurs.

This is covered by Article 19 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Use of vehicles to remove litter, marine litter, debris or dead animals from beaches and intertidal areas

Using a vehicle or vessel to remove litter, marine litter, debris or dead animals from beaches and intertidal areas, or abandoned, discarded or lost fishing gear does not require a marine licence provided the activity is carried out by or on behalf of the Welsh ministers, a local authority, harbour authority within its jurisdiction, Natural Resources Wales or an environmental charity. Dead animals must not be removed by an environmental charity unless it is acting on behalf of Welsh Ministers, Natural Resources Wales or a local authority. The enforcement authority must be notified of the intention to remove dead animals before they are removed.

The exemption does not apply if the activity is likely to have a significant effect on a Marine protected area or if the activity is likely to damage features of archaeological or historic interest.

This is covered by Article 20 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Deposit in the course of normal navigation or maintenance

A marine licence is not required for deposit from a vehicle, vessel, aircraft or marine structure in the normal course of navigation or maintenance or any related removal activity. This exemption is intended to allow routine activities such as the deposit of anchors, the mandatory testing of fire-fighting equipment or propeller polishing to be carried out without the need for a licence.

This is covered by Article 21 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

This does not include deposits for the purpose of disposal.

Maintenance of harbour works

A marine licence is not required for the deposit, removal or works activity carried on by or on behalf of a harbour authority for the purpose of maintaining any harbour works. The exemption is subject to the condition that the activity is carried out within the existing boundaries of the works being maintained.

This is covered by Article 22 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Removal of obstruction or danger to navigation

A conservancy authority, harbour authority, lighthouse authority or a body having powers to maintain a canal or other inland navigation including a navigation in tidal waters do not need a marine licence to remove anything causing or likely to cause an obstruction or danger to navigation.

The UK Hydrographic Office must be given notice of the removal activity within 5 days of the removal.

This is covered by Article 23 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Mooring and aids to navigation

Harbour authorities and lighthouse authorities do not need a marine licence to deposit, remove, replace or maintain piled or swinging/trot moorings or aids to navigation (such as marker buoys). People carrying out such activities with the consent, required from, and granted by, a harbour authority or lighthouse authority do not need a licence either.

This is covered by Article 24 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

This exemption does not apply to the deposit or construction of pontoons.

Markers for marine protected areas

A deposit or removal made by Natural Resources Wales to place or remove markers to indicate the existence and boundaries of marine protected areas does not require a marine licence.

However, notification of such deposits or removals should be given at least 5 days prior to the activities to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Trinity House and the UK Hydrographic Office.

This is covered by Article 25 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Launching and removal of vessels etc

A deposit in connection with the launching of a vehicle, vessel, aircraft, marine structure or floating container and a subsequent removal activity does not require a marine licence.

This is covered by Article 26 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

"Vessel” includes:

  • hovercraft
  • any other craft capable of travelling on, in, or under water, whether or not self-propelled

“Marine structure” means a platform or other artificial structure at sea, other than a pipeline.

Dismantling ships

A marine licence is not required for a deposit or removal activity carried out as part of dismantling a ship that is waste.

This is covered by Article 27 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Diver trails within restricted areas and in relation to scheduled monuments

A deposit or removal activity for the purpose of placing, securing or removing signage or other identifying markers for divers on wrecks protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, scheduled monuments as described in  The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 or controlled areas designated in the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 do not require a marine licence.

This is covered by Article 28 the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Coastguard activities – safety purposes and training

A marine licence is not required for a deposit or removal activity carried out by or on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency or anyone acting in connection with them for the purpose of securing the safety of a vessel, aircraft or marine structure, saving life or property or to train for such situations.

This is covered by Article 29 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Deposit and use of flares etc – safety purposes and training

A marine licence is not required for the deposit and use of smoke floats, distress flares or similar pyrotechnic substance or object for the purpose of securing the safety of a vessel, aircraft or marine structure, saving life or to train for such situations.

This is covered by Article 30 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Cables and pipelines – authorised emergency inspection and repair

A marine licence is not required for a deposit, removal or dredge activity to carry out emergency inspection or repair works to any cable or pipeline.

However, notification must be given to the UK Hydrographic Office of any amendments made to charted cable and pipeline positions within 5 days after the completion of any emergency repair works.

The exemption does not apply to deposits made for providing long-term cable or pipeline protection.

This is covered by Article 31 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Bored tunnels

Activities associated with the construction or operation of a bored tunnel that are carried out wholly under the seabed do not need a marine licence.

The exemption is subject to the conditions that the activity must not

  • adversely affect the environment of Wales, the Welsh inshore region, the Welsh Offshore region or the living resources that environment it supports,
  • cause or be likely to cause a danger to navigation
  • cause damage to features of archaeological or historic interest

The exemption does not apply to any deposits carried out for disposal purposes.

The exemption does not apply to the subsequent deposit of any substance into the tunnel, such as cables and pipelines.

This is covered by Article 32 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Rights of foreign vessels etc under international law

A marine licence is not required when activities are carried out in exercise of a right under rules of international law, by or in relation to:

  • a third country vessel (a vessel which is flying the flag of, or is registered in, any state or territory (other than Gibraltar) which is not a member State, or is not a registered in a member state)
  • a warship, naval auxiliary or other vessel or aircraft owned or operated by any Nation when being used only for government non-commercial service

This exemption intends to make sure that rights under international maritime law of non-EU countries and sovereign vessels from other countries are not infringed.

This is covered by Article 33 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Loading of a vehicle or vessel etc for incineration outside Wales and the Welsh inshore region

A marine licence is not required for the loading of a vehicle, vessel, aircraft, marine structure or floating container with any substance or object for incineration outside Wales and the Welsh inshore region as long as incineration is to take place within the Scottish inshore region or in the UK marine licensing area.

This is covered by Article 34 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

This is intended to remove duplication would be otherwise caused by the requirement to obtain a licence under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.

The activity of incineration would require a licence from the relevant licencing authority.

The exemption does not apply if the destination for incineration is outside the Scottish inshore region or the UK marine licensing area.

Routine minor works to maintain existing bridges, cantilevered structures, jetties and piers

A marine licence is not required when routine minor works are carried out by a local authority or a harbour authority, or persons acting on their behalf to maintain existing bridges, cantilevered structures, jetties or piers.

The exemption does not apply to:

  • construction of structures required to support access
  • dredge or disposal works
  • any activity that causes or is likely to cause a danger to navigation
  • an activity that reduces the air clearance above Highest Astronomical Tide for vessels passing under a bridge
  • an activity that may have a significant effect on a marine protected area

This is covered by Article 35 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Removal of abandoned or derelict vessels

Abandoned vessels are those where the owner is unknown, following reasonable attempts to find them, or has surrendered rights of ownership. Derelict vessels are in a state of disrepair and neglect.

Harbour authorities, Natural Resources Wales or persons acting on their behalf do not need a marine licence to deposit or remove abandoned or derelict vessels. 

Notification must be given to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency at least 24 hours prior to any deposit or removal activity.

The exemption does not apply if the activity causes or may cause a danger to navigation, or if it may have a significant effect on a marine protected area.

The exemption does not apply to the removal of a wreck within an area designated as a restricted area under section 1 of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.

This is covered by Article 36 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Firework displays

The deposit and use of fireworks as part of a firework display and the removal of associated litter does not require a marine licence, as long as the display does not cause or is not likely to cause a danger to navigation or have a significant effect on a marine protected area.

This is covered by Article 37 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Samples for testing or analysis

Removing material for samples for testing or analysis of no more than 1 m3 does not require a marine licence.

The exemption does not apply when:

  • the removal adversely affects or is likely to adversely affect any MOD strategic interest,
  • if it causes or is likely to cause a danger to navigation,
  • if it is likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area,
  • if it falls within an area designated as a restricted area in section 1 of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973,
  • if the removal is likely to cause damage to scheduled monuments, section 3(7) of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023,
  • if it may cause an adverse effect to an area designated as a controlled site under section 1(2)(b) of the  Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.

This is covered by Article 38 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Divers removing marine litter

Removal of marine litter and abandoned, discarded or lost fishing gear during diving activities does not require a marine licence provided that:

  • the removal does not have a significant effect on a marine protected area,
  • will not likely cause damage to features of archaeological or historic interest in the area where the diving occurs.

This is covered by Article 39 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Accidental deposits - removal activity

The removal of any object which has been accidentally deposited on the seabed does not require a marine licence providing the removal begins within 12 months from the day the object was accidentally deposited.

The exemption does not apply if the removal activity:

  • causes or is likely to cause an obstruction or danger to navigation
  • is likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area

This is covered by Article 40 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Navigational maintenance dredging

Dredging activity for the purpose of conserving or maintaining the navigation of an area of the sea may be exempt from requiring a marine licence providing that:

  • the dredging activity only occurs at a site and to a depth that has been dredged at least once in the last 10 years for this purpose
  • no more than 1500 m3 of material is removed from the site in the 12 months prior to the activity, including the removal volume from the proposed dredge and from other dredge activities carried out to conserve or maintain the navigation of the area.

The exemption does not apply to:

  • dredging activity that affects or is likely to adversely affect any MOD strategic interest
  • any dredging activity that exceeds 500 m3
  • any dredging activity that causes or is likely to cause obstruction or danger to navigation
  • any dredging activity that is likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area
  • any dredging activity that has or is likely to have the effect, in relation to any body of water of, which:
    • preventing the environmental objectives listed in the relevant river basin management plan as applicable in relation to that body of water
    • causing environmental damage

  • any disposal of dredged material

This is covered by Article 41 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

“Body of water” and “river basin management plan” have the same meaning as in regulation 2 of The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017

“Environmental damage” has the same meaning as in regulation 4 of The Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) (Wales) Regulations 2009

Temporary markers

Placing markers or associated equipment to mark out areas for recreational activities such as sailing, swimming or diving does not require a marine licence provided that:

  • if the markers are to be placed for more than 24 hours, notice is given to the Maritime Coastguard Agency and Trinity House at least 5 days prior to the deposit
  • any marker or associated equipment is removed within 28 days from the day placed

The exemption does not apply if the removal activity:

  • causes or is likely to cause an obstruction or danger to navigation
  • is likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area

This is covered by Article 42 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

The establishment or restoration of seagrass bed

The following activities may be exempt from the requirement to have a marine licence:

  • any deposit or removal activity for establishing or restoring a seagrass bed
  • the deposit of any native species of seagrass seed, cutting or plant to establish or restore a seagrass bed
  • a removal activity for the purpose of moving seagrass seeds, cuttings or plants to establish or restore a seagrass bed as long as it does not impact the donor bed
  • moving seagrass cores or sods to establish or restore a seagrass bed as long as it does not negatively impact the donor bed

The conditions of this exemption are:

  • any removal or deposit of seagrass seed from a healthy donor bed to another area must follow International Union for Conservation of Nature Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations
  • any native seagrass seed, cutting or plant is free from invasive non-native species
  • no activity should adversely affect or be likely to affect any MOD strategic interest

The exemption does not apply to:

  • deposits made for the purposes of disposal
  • deposit or removal activities that cause or are likely to cause obstruction or danger to navigation
  • deposit or removal activities that are likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area
  • deposit or removal activities that are likely to cause damage to features of archaeological or historic interest
  • deposits which include any non-biodegradable materials or harmful substances

This is covered by Article 43 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Native species are species that naturally occur or have in the past naturally occurred in Wales including:

  • regularly occurring migratory species (both breeding and non-breeding) and natural colonists
  • species that have been reintroduced in Wales following past extinction

"Natural colonists" are species that arrived in Wales of their own accord and have become established, including those that become migratory species.

Upgrades to coastal, drainage and flood defence structures

Upgrades to coast protection, drainage or flood defence works carried out by or on behalf of a Welsh risk managements authority or coast protection authority where a local planning permission is required for the upgrade do not need a marine licence provided that:

  • the deposit or removal activity is carried out within the existing three-dimensional boundaries of the works being maintained
  • the UK Hydrographic Office is notified 5 days prior to the activity beginning

The exemption does not apply to any construction, deposit or removal that extends below the mean low water spring tide mark

This is covered by Article 44 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Dry dock facilities

A marine licence is not required for deposit or removal activities in a dry dock within a harbour which is regulated under the Harbours Act 1964 where the work is carried on by, or on behalf of a harbour authority, provided that:

  • notification is given to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Trinity House at least 5 days before the activity begins
  • all debris is removed from the dry dock prior to the entry or exit of any vessel

The exemption does not apply if the removal activity:

  • causes or is likely to cause obstruction or danger to navigation
  • is likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area
  • is likely to cause damage to features of archaeological or historical interest

This is covered by Article 45 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Discharge of offshore chemicals and oil

Any activity that requires a permit under The Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 or the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Preventions and Control) Regulations 2005 does not require a marine licence.

This is covered by Article 46 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Removal of windblown sand and subsequent deposit

The clearing of sand blown on to promenades, roads or slipways following a storm event by a local authority, a harbour authority, Natural Resources Wales or anyone acting on their behalf does not require a marine licence, providing that:

  • the sand is free from marine litter, debris and land-based contaminants
  • the sand is deposited back onto a beach within 7 days after it was blown onto the promenade, road or slipway.

This is covered by Article 47 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Pontoons

The deposit, works to, or removal of a pontoon within harbour or port limits does not require a marine licence when consent is given by a harbour authority.

Conditions of this exemption:

  • no more than 10 pontoons have been constructed or deposited at the same site in the previous 6 months
  • the pontoon must be free from invasive non-native species before the deposit or works activity

The exemption does not apply to:

  • pontoons that have a deck size exceeding 30 m3
  • any dwelling, permanent structure or infrastructure placed or fixed on top of a pontoon
  • any piling works

This is covered by Article 48 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Trial pits

Deposit or removal activities carried out for the excavation and backfilling of trial pits does not require a marine licence provided that the materials removed from the seabed as part of a plan or project do not exceed 5 m3.

The exemption does not apply if the activities:

  • cause or are likely to cause an obstruction or danger to navigation
  • are likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area
  • are likely to cause damage to features of archaeological or historical interest

This is covered by Article 49 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Boreholes

Deposit or removal activities carried out for the purposes of removing material from the seabed, objects or materials in connection with drilling of boreholes do not require a marine licence providing that no more than 5 m3 of material is removed from the seabed as part of any plan or project.

The exemption does not apply if the activities:

  • cause or are likely to cause an obstruction or danger to navigation
  • are likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area
  • are likely to cause damage to features of archaeological or historical interest

This is covered by Article 50 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Vibrocore sampling

Vibrocore sampling is the technique in which a vibrating core tube is driven into underwater sediments such as sand, silt, clay or soft soils using an electronically or hydraulically powered vibration head which recovers a continuous core.

Deposit or removal activities carried out for the purposes of removing material from the seabed through vibrocore sampling do not require a marine licence providing that no more than 5 m3 of material is removed as part of any plan or project. 

The exemption does not apply if the activities:

  • cause or are likely to cause an obstruction or danger to navigation
  • are likely to have a significant effect on a marine protected area
  • are likely to cause damage to features of archaeological or historical interest

This is covered by Article 51 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

In-water hull cleaning

If a substance is removed from the hull of a vessel during cleaning, by hand using a soft cloth, a sponge or the bristles of a soft brush, a marine licence is not required.

This is covered by Article 52 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Exemptions for certain dredging activities

A marine licence is not required when dredging activity or disposal of spoil arising from that activity is carried out by or on behalf of a harbour authority and is authorised by and carried out in accordance with any local Act or Harbours Act 1964.

If the activity includes the recovery or disposal of dredged material the following conditions must also be met:

  • the dredge and disposal activity involves the relocation of sediments inside surface waters
  • the purpose of the deposit is for one of the following:

    • managing waters or waterways,
    • preventing floods
    • mitigating the effects of floods or droughts
    • land reclamation

  • it is proved to the satisfaction of Natural Resources Wales acting on behalf of the licensing authority that the sediments are not hazardous waste

This is covered by Section 75 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009).

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