A Practical Guide to Actions Brought by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

This book offers comprehensive and practical insight into the enforcement powers of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency ('MCA'), making it an essential resource for legal professionals, maritime operators, and regulatory specialists alike. It demystifies a complex and often overlooked area of law, clearly explaining how maritime legislation is applied, enforced, and prosecuted across the UK and beyond. From jurisdictional reach to real-life case considerations, this book equips readers with the knowledge needed to understand the legal landscape with confidence.Combining detailed legal analysis with practical guidance, this work goes beyond theory to explore the full spectrum of MCA enforcement-from pollution and collision regulations to unsafe operations and corporate liability. It highlights key legislation, procedural considerations and enforcement strategies, providing invaluable clarity on how investigations are conducted and prosecutions are pursued. Whether advising clients, managing compliance, or preparing for court, readers will gain a decisive edge from its structured and accessible approach.ABOUT THE AUTHORSunyana Sharma is a barrister at 3PB. She practises in health and safety, inquest and professional disciplinary law and has specialist knowledge in the areas of maritime and fisheries. She regularly represents the MCA, IFCA, masters, fisherman, companies and individuals as part of her maritime and fisheries practice and her cases have taken her as far as the Falkland Islands. She was called in 2006, is Head of the Inquest team at 3PB and is ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. She sits part time as an Assistant Coroner and Deputy District Judge.CONTENTSChapter One - IntroductionChapter Two - What Actions Can Be Brought by the MCA?Chapter Three - Offences, Prosecution and SentenceChapter Four - Further Powers of MCAChapter Five - Proceedings on Detention of a ShipGlossary