(1)The Authority may give directions under this section (“general directions”) in respect of vessels in, or proposing to enter, or leaving, the navigation area for the purpose of promoting or securing conditions conducive to the ease, convenience or safety of navigation and the safety of persons and property in the navigation area.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) the Authority may give general directions for any of the following purposes—
(a)for designating areas, routes, fairways or channels in the navigation area which vessels are to use, or refrain from using, for movement, mooring or anchorage;
(b)for securing that vessels move only at certain times, or during certain periods;
(c)for limiting the speed of motor vessels;
(d)for requiring the use of any equipment (including engines) forming part of or carried on the vessel;
(e)for prohibiting or regulating—
(i)entry into the navigation area by a vessel which for any reason would be or would be likely to become a danger to other vessels or to persons or property, in or near the navigation area; or
(ii)entry into, or navigation within, any designated fairway or channel during any temporary obstruction thereof;
(f)for prohibiting or regulating entry into or movement in the navigation area by vessels at times of poor visibility due to the weather or to the presence of dust or smoke, or at times of high winds;
(g)for requiring the master of a vessel to give to the navigation officer information relating to the vessel or the qualifications of the master reasonably required by the navigation officer for effecting any of the purposes of this subsection;
(h)for prescribing the action to be taken in relation to vessels which have become adrift, or sunk, or run aground;
(i)so far as is necessary for the safety of navigation, for requiring or regulating the use of tugs in relation to a vessel.
(3)Subject to subsections (4) and (5), a general direction may apply—
(a)to all vessels or to a class of vessels designated, or the designation of which is provided for, in the direction; or
(b)to the whole of the navigation area or to a part designated, or the designation of which is provided for, in the direction; or
(c)at all times, or at times designated, or the designation of which is provided for, in the direction,
and every direction under this section shall specify the extent of its application in relation to the matters referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).
(4)A general direction relating to any matter referred to in subsection (2)(e) or (f) shall not apply to any pleasure craft.
(5)A general direction relating to any matter referred to in subsection (2)(g) shall not require the master of a pleasure craft to give information as to his qualifications except where the craft is one in relation to which qualifications for masters are required by or under general legislation.
(6)The Authority may revoke or amend any general direction.