Ports and harbour licences

The Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987 (DSHAR), prohibit, with certain exceptions, explosives from being brought into or handled in a harbour area unless such activities are covered by an explosives licence granted by the Health and Safety Executive.

An explosives licence is also required for:

• the loading of explosives on board a vessel
• or unloading of explosives from a vessel

when this occurs on any part of the coast or in the tidal waters of Great Britain or within the territorial waters adjacent to Great Britain.

The licence provides a means to specify any conditions or restrictions, which need to apply in the case of a particular harbour area, including limits on the type and quantities of explosive handled and where in the harbour area such handling activities may take place.

There are exceptions to the licensing requirements which relate either to explosives which do not present a significant risk or because the conditions under which they are handled do not warrant a licence. Further details can be obtained from the Additional Guidance Notes on the forms page.

Ports licence application details

Applications can be submitted by either, a harbour authority, a berth operator or a person having interest in the activities involved.

Please go to the forms page for the application form, detailed guidance notes and information on fees.