Marine Consents
Navigating the Marine Licensing Process with Clarity and Confidence
Navigating the marine consents process can feel like a minefield — multiple regulators, environmental considerations, and overlapping legislation.
At TILT Engineering & Design, we simplify it. Our team of experienced engineers and consenting specialists guide you efficiently from concept to consent, ensuring your project meets every requirement of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and other statutory bodies — without costly delays.
Why Marine Consents Matter
Any works in, over, or under UK tidal waters or coastal areas — from quay walls and slipways to pontoons or dredging — require approval under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
We help you secure the right consents, licences, and supporting documentation for your project to proceed safely and legally.
Our experience covers:
Coastal and estuarine developments
River and harbour works
Pontoons, jetties and slipways
Flood defences and erosion protection
Maintenance dredging and outfalls
Replacement and refurbishment of existing structures
Our Marine Consenting Services
Feasibility & Early Advice
We assess whether your proposed works require a Marine Licence, Exemption, or Harbour Authority Consent.
We outline expected documentation, survey needs, and the likely regulatory route — helping you budget and programme effectively.
Screening of location and activity
Regulatory route mapping (MMO, EA, PLA, NRW, etc.)
Risk and constraint identification
Stakeholder and consultation strategy
Marine Licence Applications
(MMO & Devolved Administrations)
We manage the entire marine licence application process, ensuring that your submission is complete, compliant, and supported by sound engineering justification.
Application drafting and submission
Engineering drawings and method statements
Supporting assessments (hydrodynamic, geomorphological, structural)
Liaison with MMO case officers and consultees (EA, Natural England, CEFAS, etc.)
Response management to Regulation 16/17 queries
Planning & Cross-Regulatory Coordination
Marine consents often overlap with planning permission, flood defence consent, or harbour approvals.
We coordinate between authorities, ensuring your submissions align — and that one approval doesn’t contradict another.
We liaise with:
Environment Agency (EA)
Local planning authorities
Harbour and navigation authorities
Internal Drainage Boards
Natural England & Marine Scotland
Environmental & Supporting Documentation
Working closely with environmental partners, we assemble the technical documents required to support your licence application.
Marine Environmental Risk Assessment (MERA)
Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) support
Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance statements
Waste management, dredging, and sediment disposal justifications
Variations, Renewals & Exemptions
If your licence needs to be varied, extended, or renewed, we handle the process seamlessly — ensuring compliance continuity and avoiding project stoppages.
We also identify possible exemptions for small-scale maintenance works, saving you time and unnecessary application costs.
Why Choose TILT
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From feasibility screening to post-consent compliance.
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Our technical drawings and method statements reduce MMO queries.
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We know how the MMO and consultees think — and what they need to approve.
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Accurate submissions mean fewer iterations and faster approvals.
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Successfully delivering marine consents for harbours, flood schemes, and private waterfronts nationwide.
Ready to Secure Your Marine Consent?
Let’s make your project approval smooth and stress-free.
We’ll clarify what you need, manage every step of your marine licence, and keep your project on track.
FAQs
What is a Marine Licence and when do I need one?
A Marine Licence is required for most works in, over, or under UK tidal waters or coastal areas — such as walls, slipways, pontoons, dredging, or outfalls — under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
How long does the MMO approval process take?
Standard marine licence determinations typically take 13–18 weeks from validation, depending on complexity and consultee feedback. We minimise delays by ensuring full, compliant submissions.
What information is needed to apply for a Marine Licence?
Drawings, method statement, location plan, risk and environmental assessments, and supporting documents such as WFD and HRA statements
Can I carry out small maintenance works without a licence?
Some small-scale maintenance or emergency works qualify for exemptions. We’ll confirm eligibility and prepare the correct notification paperwork.
What authorities are involved in marine consents?
Typically the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Environment Agency (EA), Natural England, harbour or navigation authorities, and local planning authorities.
Do you handle renewals or variations of existing licences?
Yes — we manage licence renewals, extensions, and variations to keep projects compliant and operational.
Can you assist private property owners, not just commercial projects?
Absolutely. We regularly help private landowners, yacht clubs, and domestic waterfront properties secure marine consents.