Port of Fleetwood
Directions: Fleetwood
Three kinds of direction can bind a vessel at Fleetwood. They are different things and they come from different powers.
Harbour master's directions
The harbour master may give directions to ships in the harbour under section 52 of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847, as incorporated by the port's local Acts. These are given as the situation requires, usually on VHF or in person. A harbour direction given by the authority is subject to a direction given by the harbour master.
Follow the harbour master's direction. Ask questions afterwards.
Harbour directions
Fleetwood is a designated harbour authority for the purposes of section 40A of the Harbours Act 1964, by the Harbour Directions (Designation of Harbour Authorities) (No. 2) Order 2015, SI 2015/1656. That designation attaches to the harbour authority for the harbour, not to any named company.
A harbour direction is a written direction to ships in, entering or leaving the harbour. It can cover the movement of ships, mooring and unmooring, equipment and manning, and it can require a master to give information. It cannot conflict with an enactment, and it is subject to the harbour master's directions under the 1847 Act.
Before a harbour direction is given
The authority must:
- put it in writing
- consult representatives of appropriate harbour users
- publicise the proposed direction for at least 28 days beforehand
After it is given
The authority must make it available for inspection, supply copies on request, and publish a notice in shipping newspapers saying that the direction has been given and how to inspect it or get a copy. A charge may be made for supplying copies. Harbour directions in force are published on this page and are available for inspection at the harbour office.
Whether any harbour directions are in force at Fleetwood. This is being confirmed and will be published here.
General directions
General directions are a different power again. They come from a port's own local Act or harbour revision order rather than from the Harbours Act 1964, and they are usually wider than a harbour direction.
Whether a general directions power exists at Fleetwood. This is being confirmed and will be published here.
What happens to directions on transfer
Directions in force immediately before 18/09/2026 continue, and are read as directions of FJ Ports (Fleetwood) Ltd. See the change of authority notice.
Notices to mariners
Notices to mariners are not directions, though they often carry one. See the notices to mariners page.
Directions in force
A direction is to be complied with. Each direction will be published here with the statement that explains how it is to be read now that the harbour authority has changed. None is published here yet.