Marine licensing: applications and guidance

Licensable marine activities.


Supporting or objecting to applications

In most cases, notice of an application for a marine licence must be published in at least one paper local to the site of the activity. The advert should state:

  • that the application has been made, what it is for, together with a description of the location to which it relates;
  • where a copy of the application, and maps of areas it refers to, can be inspected by members of the public;
  • the date by which representations should be made as well as the address where these should be sent.

There is a requirement for additional public notices to be placed for projects which require environmental impact assessment. There requirements are set out in the EIA regulations.

The licensing authority must have regard to any representations which it receives from any person having an interest in the outcome of the application. Any representations regarding an application should be made to the Scottish Government at the following address:

Email: ms.marinelicensing@gov.scot

Tel: +44 (0)300 244 5046

Marine Scotland
Licensing Operations Team
375 Victoria Road
ABERDEEN
AB11 9DB

Please note: Any representation to the Scottish Government should identify the proposal and specify the grounds for representation.

If supplementary environmental information regarding an application is received from the applicant, all previous representations received in relation to this development remain valid.

We are unable to receive representations in advance of an application being submitted.

How we use your information

We determine applications for marine licences under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, and section 36 consents under the Electricity Act 1989 (as amended). During the consultation process, any person having an interest in the outcome of the application may make representation us. The representation may contain personal information, for example a name or address. This representation will only be used for the purpose of determining an application and will be stored securely in our official corporate record. Representations will be shared with the applicant and/or agent acting on behalf of the applicant, any people or organisations that we consult in relation to the application, the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals should the Scottish Ministers call a Public Local Inquiry and, where necessary, be published online, however personal information will be removed before sharing or publishing.

If you have any queries or concerns about how your personal information will be handled, contact us using the contact details above.

Marine licence application fees (1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024)

We have published further information on marine licence application fees for 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Applications

Algal farms application
Dredging: sea disposal
Pre-disposal sediment sampling analysis results form
FEP5 - construction return form
FEP5 - deposit return form
Finfish and shellfish farm application form
Marine construction projects
Additional co-ordinates form
Marine renewable energy projects (2011)
Moorings application form
Notice of exempted activity
Pontoons licence application form
Scientific instrument deployment application
Scientific instrument deposit and removal

Guidance

General guidance for applicants
Loch Creran Special Area of Conservation moorings pack
Pre-disposal sampling guidance
Royal fish guidance (2011)
Tracer and biocide release guidelines (2011)
Advertising marine licence applications
FAQ: applying for a marine licence or a section 36 consent
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