This Act may be cited as the [1970 c. 27.] Merchant Shipping Act 1970.

This Act, the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 1967 and the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Act 1970 may be cited together as the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 1970.

This Act shall be construed as one with the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 1967 and the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Act 1970.

This Act shall come into force on such date as the Board of Trade may by order made by statutory instrument appoint, and different days may be so appointed for different provisions of this Act.