Section 29 of the Wales Act 2017 transfers certain functions, which were exercisable by a Minister of the Crown in relation to Welsh harbours, to the Welsh Ministers with effect from 1st April 2018.

The functions transferred include functions under the Harbours Act 1964 (some of which had been delegated to the Marine Management Organisation), the Pilotage Act 1987, and functions contained in local Acts such as harbour byelaws, in so far as they are exercisable in relation to harbours that are wholly in Wales, and had not already been transferred under the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/672).

These Regulations make transitional and savings provisions in relation to the transfer of those functions so that any matter that has been referred to the Secretary of State, but has not yet been determined by 1st April 2018, remains with the Secretary of State or, where appropriate, the Marine Management Organisation, for determination.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen. The Explanatory Memorandum published alongside this instrument is available on the website http://www.legislation.gov.uk and copies are available for inspection at the Department for Transport, 33 Horseferry Rd, London SW1P 4DR.