Bill Submitted to Amend Danish Pilotage Act

On December 20, 2013, the Danish Maritime Authority submitted a bill to amend the Danish Pilotage Act and various other acts for consultation.

The main purpose of the bill is to make it possible to perform pilotage assignments in Danish waters in a more efficient manner and thus to contribute to protecting safety of navigation and the environment. The bill is intended to create increased competition in the pilotage area and will make it easier for existing and new pilotage service providers to operate in the market. The bill is a follow-up on the Government’s publication in the field of competition policy from October 2012 entitled “Enhanced competition for the benefit of Denmark” and the subsequent analysis of the Danish pilotage market.

The bill also makes it possible for the Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board to investigate diving accidents and makes the level of penalty severer in case a marine accident is caused or in case of navigation contrary to sound seamanship. Furthermore, the bill contains minor adjustments of maritime law.

It is the intention that the Minister for Business and Growth presents the bill to the Danish Parliament in late February 2014.

dma.dk