diff --git a/src/core/MOM_dynamics_unsplit.F90 b/src/core/MOM_dynamics_unsplit.F90
index 9a58dddd0f..085b4e02c3 100644
--- a/src/core/MOM_dynamics_unsplit.F90
+++ b/src/core/MOM_dynamics_unsplit.F90
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ module MOM_dynamics_unsplit
   !> A pointer to the set_visc control structure
   type(set_visc_CS), pointer :: set_visc_CSp => NULL()
   !> A pointer to the tidal forcing control structure
-  type(tidal_forcing_CS), pointer :: tides_CSp => NULL()
+  type(tidal_forcing_CS) :: tides_CSp
   !> A pointer to the ALE control structure.
   type(ALE_CS), pointer :: ALE_CSp => NULL()
 
diff --git a/src/core/MOM_dynamics_unsplit_RK2.F90 b/src/core/MOM_dynamics_unsplit_RK2.F90
index ec4a1aa843..91aaca508e 100644
--- a/src/core/MOM_dynamics_unsplit_RK2.F90
+++ b/src/core/MOM_dynamics_unsplit_RK2.F90
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ module MOM_dynamics_unsplit_RK2
   !> A pointer to the set_visc control structure
   type(set_visc_CS), pointer :: set_visc_CSp => NULL()
   !> A pointer to the tidal forcing control structure
-  type(tidal_forcing_CS), pointer :: tides_CSp => NULL()
+  type(tidal_forcing_CS) :: tides_CSp
   !> A pointer to the ALE control structure.
   type(ALE_CS), pointer :: ALE_CSp => NULL()