In general, matters relating to marine transport are reserved where there is a need for consistent provision across the UK, for example in order to comply with international obligations or agreements (such as those relating to vessel safety or the employment of seafarers) or for practical reasons (e.g. regarding coastguards and lighthouses).
The Section provides that the subject-matter of the following Acts are reserved matters:
The following matters are also reserved:
	Navigational rights and freedoms.  These derive from international law.  Coastal states, such as the UK, have a duty not to impose requirements on foreign ships which would have the practical effect of denying or impairing these rights or freedoms.  Uniform treatment of passing shipping traffic all around the UK is necessary to ensure compliance with the UK’s international obligations.
	Financial assistance for shipping services which start or finish or both outside Scotland.  With one exception about bulk freight services (noted below), the Scottish Parliament is not able to legislate about financial assistance to shipping services between Scotland and other parts of the UK or Europe since differing approaches might distort the market for shipping services.  The Scottish Parliament is, however, able to legislate about financial assistance to shipping services operating wholly within Scotland.
TABLE OF RESERVED MATTERS SECTIONS Reservation