A port barring direction may be given to the master or pilot of a specified ship.

The Secretary of State may direct a harbour authority to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that a ship mentioned in a port barring direction does not enter a port or ports in the United Kingdom specified in the direction, or any port in the United Kingdom.

It is an offence for a person to whom a direction is given under this regulation to fail to comply with the direction.

The Secretary of State may notify a person that the existence of a port barring direction, any part of the content of the direction, or anything done under the direction, is to be treated as confidential.

It is an offence for a person to disclose information if the Secretary of State has notified that person under paragraph (5) that the information is to be treated as confidential.

In this regulation, a “port barring direction” means a direction prohibiting a ship from entering a port or ports in the United Kingdom specified in the direction, or any port in the United Kingdom.