Hmmm, its a really good point. In our company, provided the weather is suitable via the company sops and we haven't advised we are unable to do a harbour circuit, we breif for the harbour circuit unless told to carry out a full missed approach. We still set 3000' however until we are in the go around where we re-set 1500'. As far as I'm aware, we just continue into the circuit 1500' without clearance as it's expected. Have to clarify that one? Good point to bring up with training.
Another confusing ATC instruction is "no speed" on an approach to 16 via Libri. It doesn't actually mean we can fly faster than 170kt at Libri. I always thought that when they referred to "no speed" it meant the full speed restriction on the star? apparently we must get that clearance from the tower to be faster than 170 at Libri. You would think they could liase with one another and make it a little clearer.