Dorset HRO: new harbour rules from 20 Feb 2026

From 20 February 2026, new legal rules apply at Lyme Regis, Bridport (West Bay) and Weymouth. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has made a Harbour Revision Order for Dorset Council after a formal process. It was made on 26 January, laid before Parliament on 30 January, and takes effect on 20 February. Think of this as a refresh of how these harbours are managed day to day. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

So, what is a Harbour Revision Order? It’s a type of statutory instrument under the Harbours Act 1964 that updates a harbour’s local law. Since 2010, the Secretary of State’s powers to make these orders in England have been delegated to the MMO, which runs the consultation and decision process and then arranges for the order to be laid before Parliament. (gov.uk)

The MMO’s page for this case explains that Dorset Council’s two applications-one for Lyme Regis and West Bay (2020) and one for Weymouth (2025)-were brought together into a single order. It confirms the 42‑day consultation windows used earlier in the process. For readers who want to see the legal text and plans, the PDFs sit on GOV.UK. (gov.uk)

The order fixes exactly where each harbour begins and ends, using coordinates and clear landward boundaries. If you’re unsure whether a slipway, pontoon or beach section is “in harbour”, you can check the signed harbour limits and harbour premises plans at the harbour offices and on the Lyme Regis and Bridport websites. When in doubt, the written description in the order takes priority. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Charges are clarified and modernised. Dorset Council can set reasonable charges for ships and for other craft such as pontoons or rigs, plus fees for services like berthing, storage and launching. Importantly, charges can be set with the overall viability of the harbour undertaking in mind, while still aiming for each harbour’s income to cover its own running and maintenance costs year on year. The harbour master may refuse entry or detain a vessel if charges are unpaid, and the Council can require deposits in advance. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Safety rules are strengthened through “general directions” that can apply to vessels, vehicles or people. Before making or changing a general direction, the Council must consult the Chamber of Shipping, the Royal Yachting Association, the local Harbours Advisory Group and others, with a minimum six‑week window for written responses. If a designated consultee maintains an objection, the issue goes to an independent adjudicator, typically appointed through the London Maritime Arbitrators Association, before a final decision. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

There are also “special directions” the harbour master can give to a named vessel-for example to move, moor elsewhere, change handling of fuel or cargo, or leave the harbour if it’s unsafe. Failing to follow a general or special direction is now an offence that can be prosecuted, with a maximum fine at level 4 on the standard scale. Courts currently list level 4 as up to £2,500 in England and Wales, and a due‑diligence defence is available. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Moorings get a clear framework. The Council can lay and license moorings and may require an existing private mooring to move; if so, it must offer an alternative Council mooring when ready. If you already have a lawful mooring on day one of the Order, you must obtain a Council licence for it within 12 weeks of 20 February 2026 unless told otherwise. Placing an unlicensed mooring, or mooring on one you’re not entitled to use, is an offence that can lead to removal and a level 4 fine. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Commercial refuelling-such as bunkering or electric recharging for payment-now needs a Council licence, normally lasting one year. Carrying out refuelling for reward without a licence is an offence with a level 4 maximum fine. If you operate a fuel berth or mobile service, build the licence step into your 2026 season planning. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

On navigation aids and dredging, Dorset Council may install or alter lights and buoys with Trinity House approval. It can dredge channels and use or dispose of arisings, but must follow waste and licensing law. Notably, the Order says the specific dredging exemption in section 75 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 does not apply to Lyme Regis harbour, so operators should not assume a licence exemption there and should check with the MMO. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

For accountability, the Council must keep a Harbours Business Plan, create one or more stakeholder advisory bodies that meet at least twice a year, and maintain a public register of general directions online and at the harbour offices. If you care about slipway access, personal watercraft rules or speed limits, this is where your voice fits in. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Two Weymouth‑specific points matter for larger craft. First, the long‑standing “open port duty” in section 33 of the 1847 Act-being open to all on payment of rates-is restricted so that, in Weymouth, it applies only to vessels up to 24 metres. Second, that duty does not apply in the area shown red on the published peninsula plan. Harbour entry and berthing for larger vessels will therefore be managed by agreement, policy and safety directions rather than the default duty. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

What this means for you, in plain terms. If you’re a local boat owner, check whether your existing mooring needs a licence within 12 weeks of 20 February 2026 and look out for any new general directions on speed, launch procedures or personal watercraft. If you run a commercial refuelling service, seek a licence before operating. If you’re a resident, expect clearer signage and published rules, plus a seat for local stakeholders via the advisory group. For everyone, charges and safety enforcement are now on firmer, more transparent footing. The MMO’s explanatory material and the order itself are your best primary sources. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)