Enforcement and Prosecutions

Marine Enforcement are specialists at enforcing marine legislation. Mark Capon formed the MCA's first Enforcement Unit and became the MCA's only Prosecuting Surveyor. His colleagues are experienced enforcement officers. Marine Enforcement has unrivalled experience in cost-effectively and successfully prosecuting offenders for offences ranging from byelaws through to serious national offences including pollution. We liaise with other enforcement agencies and involve them in the management of an incident.

Our approach is pragmatic yet thorough. We always invite those accused of offences to assist us with our enquiries. We have never failed to secure a conviction once proceedings have been commenced and we always ask the Court for an order that the costs incurred by the Harbour Authority are met. Nearly always these costs are recovered in full.

Prosecution is the ultimate sanction and having examined all the applicable law and all the evidence we will discuss with the Harbour Authority the options. We use the advice given to Crown Prosecutors to determine whether a prosecution is appropriate.

We can assist Harbour Authorities to develop enforcement policies and procedures and train members of staff.

We offer a rapid response service if required.