Merchant Shipping Act 1988
1988 c. 12
An Act to amend the law relating to the registration of ships; to make provision for the giving of financial assistance in connection with the training of seamen and crew relief costs; to make provision for the establishment of a Merchant Navy Reserve; to make further provision with respect to the safety of shipping, with respect to liability and compensation for oil pollution and with respect to the financing and administration of the lighthouse service; to make other amendments of the law relating to shipping, seamen and pollution; and for connected purposes.
Act modified by S.I. 1989/1991, art. 10
Act excluded by S.I. 1988/1926, reg. 57 and S.I. 1989/1991, arts. 11–13
Act (other than certain provisions) excluded by S.I. 1989/1991, art. 14, Sch.
Act: by 1993 c. 22 s. 8(3), Sch. 4 para. 56(a) it is provided (1.5.1994) that the repeal of 1894 c. 60 s. 728(a) shall not have effect; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(2), Sch.2.
Part I Registration of British Ships
Preliminary
F11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Registration under Part I of 1894 Act
F44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F1010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Registration in overseas territories
F1111. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F12part ii
Ss. 12-25 (Pt. II) repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.1; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
Preliminary
12 Interpretation of Part II, etc.
1
In this Part (unless the context otherwise requires)—
“fishing vessel” means a vessel for the time being used (or, in the context of an application for registration, intended to be used) for or in connection with fishing for sea fish, other than a vessel used (or intended to be used) for fishing otherwise than for profit;
“fishing vessel survey rules” has the meaning given by section 2 of the M5Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Act 1970, and any reference to a survey under the fishing vessel survey rules is a reference to such a survey carried out in the United Kingdom;
“owner”, in relation to a registered fishing vessel, means registered owner;
“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations under section 13;
“the register” means the register of British fishing vessels referred to in section 13(1)(a);
“registered” and “registration” mean respectively registered and registration in the register;
“sea fish” includes shellfish, salmon and migratory trout (as defined by section 44 of the M6Fisheries Act 1981);
“share”, in relation to a fishing vessel, means one of the shares into which the property in the vessel is divided, for the purposes of registration, in accordance with section 18.
2
It is hereby declared that a vessel for the time being used (or intended to be used) wholly for the purpose of conveying persons wishing to fish for pleasure is not a fishing vessel for the purposes of this Part.
3
References in this Part to a fishing vessel being eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel shall be construed in accordance with section 14.
4
For the purposes of this Part the beneficial ownership of a fishing vessel shall be determined by reference to every beneficial interest in that vessel, however arising (whether held by a trustee or nominee or arising under a contract or otherwise), other than an interest held by any person as mortgagee.
New system of registration for fishing vessels
13 Separate registration of fishing vessels.
1
The Secretary of State shall by regulations make provision—
a
for the establishment and maintenance of a register of British fishing vessels; and
b
for the registration in that register of fishing vessels which are, by virtue of section 14, eligible to be registered as British fishing vessels.
2
Subject to subsection (3), a fishing vessel shall no longer be capable of being registered under any of the following enactments, namely—
a
Part I of the 1894 Act;
b
section 373 of that Act (registry of British fishing boats); or
c
the M7Sea Fishing Boats (Scotland) Act 1886.
C73
Where any fishing vessel is registered under any of those enactments immediately before the commencement of this Part, the registration of the vessel under that enactment shall (notwithstanding any repeals made by this Act) continue in force until—
a
the vessel (being eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel) is registered under this Part in accordance with regulations under this section, or
b
the end of such period beginning with the commencement of this Part as may be prescribed,
whichever first occurs.
4
Any fishing vessel whose registration under any of those enactments continues in force by virtue of subsection (3) shall be deemed to be a vessel registered under this Part for the purposes of sections 19, 20 and 22 below.
5
Where a fishing vessel becomes registered under this Part at a time when it is already registered under the law of any country outside the United Kingdom, the owner of the vessel shall take all reasonable steps to secure the termination of the vessel’s registration under the law of that country.
6
Any person who contravenes subsection (5) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the third level on the standard scale.
7
Schedule 2 shall have effect for the purpose of supplementing this section.
14 Eligibility for registration as British fishing vessel. C8
1
Subject to subsections (3) and (4), a fishing vessel shall only be eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel if—
a
the vessel is British-owned;
b
the vessel is managed, and its operations are directed and controlled, from within the United Kingdom; and
c
any charterer, manager or operator of the vessel is a qualified person or company.
2
For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) a fishing vessel is British-owned if—
a
the legal title to the vessel is vested wholly in one or more qualified persons or companies; and
b
the vessel is beneficially owned—
i
as to not less than the relevant percentage of the property in the vessel, by one or more qualified persons, or
ii
wholly by a qualified company or companies, or
iii
by one or more qualified companies and, as to not less than the relevant percentage of the remainder of the property in the vessel, by one or more qualified persons.
3
The Secretary of State may by regulations specify further requirements which must be satisfied in order for a fishing vessel to be eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel, being requirements imposed—
a
in connection with the implementation of any of the requirements specified in subsection (1)(a) to (c), or
b
in addition to the requirements so specified,
and appearing to the Secretary of State to be appropriate for securing that such a vessel has a genuine and substantial connection with the United Kingdom.
4
Where, in the case of any fishing vessel, the Secretary of State is satisfied that—
a
the vessel would be eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel but for the fact that any particular individual, or (as the case may be) each of a number of particular individuals, is not a British citizen (and is accordingly not a qualified person), and
b
it would be appropriate to dispense with the requirement of British citizenship in the case of that individual or those individuals, in view of the length of time he has or they have resided in the United Kingdom and been involved in the fishing industry of the United Kingdom,
the Secretary of State may determine that that requirement should be so dispensed with; and, if he does so, the vessel shall, so long as paragraph (a) above applies to it and any such determination remains in force, be treated for the purposes of this Part as eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel.
5
Where any share in a vessel is beneficially owned jointly by persons not all of whom are qualified persons or companies, then, for the purposes of this section, the whole of that share shall be treated as beneficially owned by persons who are not qualified persons or companies.
6
For the purpose of determining whether a fishing vessel is eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel, the Secretary of State may, if he thinks fit, appoint a person—
a
to investigate the eligibility of the vessel to be so registered, and
b
to make a report of his conclusions to the Secretary of State;
and any person so appointed shall, for the purpose of conducting the investigation, have the powers conferred on an inspector by the provisions of section 27 of the M8Merchant Shipping Act 1979 (other than paragraphs (d) to (h) of subsection (1) of that section).
7
In this section—
“qualified company” means a company which satisfies the following conditions, namely—
a
it is incorporated in the United Kingdom and has its principal place of business there;
b
at least the relevant percentage of its shares (taken as a whole), and of each class of its shares, is legally and beneficially owned by one or more qualified persons or companies; and
c
at least the relevant percentage of its directors are qualified persons;
“qualified person” means—
a
a person who is a British citizen resident and domiciled in the United Kingdom, or
b
a local authority in the United Kingdom; and
“the relevant percentage” means 75 per cent. or such greater percentage (which may be 100 per cent.) as may for the time being be prescribed.
15 Grant or refusal of applications for registration of fishing vessels.
1
If, on an application for the registration of a fishing vessel made in accordance with regulations under section 13, the Secretary of State is satisfied—
a
that the vessel is eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel, and
b
that any relevant requirements of any such regulations have been complied with in relation to the vessel,
he shall (subject to subsection (2)) cause the vessel to be registered as a British fishing vessel.
2
Notwithstanding that the Secretary of State is so satisfied, he may refuse any such application if he is satisfied that there is not in force in respect of the vessel any certificate required to be so in force by virtue of section 4 of the M9Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Act 1970 (prohibition on going to sea without appropriate certificates).
3
If, on any such application, the Secretary of State is not satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1), he shall refuse the application.
16 Termination of registration where vessel is not eligible for registration or is not certificated.
C91
If for any reason it appears to the Secretary of State that a registered vessel may no longer be eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel, he may by notice served on—
a
the owner of the vessel, or
b
any charterer, manager or operator of the vessel,
require that person, at such time or times as may be specified in the notice—
i
to produce to the Secretary of State such documents or descriptions of documents specified in the notice, and
ii
to furnish to him, in such form as may be specified in the notice, such accounts, estimates, returns or other information (of whatever nature) specified in the notice,
as the Secretary of State thinks necessary for the purpose of determining whether the vessel is eligible to be so registered.
2
In a case where the owner of a registered vessel is a company, subsection (1) shall apply to any person holding any shares in the company as it applies to the company.
3
Where the Secretary of State has served a notice under subsection (1) with respect to any vessel, then, unless he has become satisfied that the vessel is eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel—
a
he shall, as soon as practicable after the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the date of service of that notice, serve a notice under subsection (6) on the owner of the vessel, and
b
the vessel’s registration shall terminate by virtue of this subsection at the relevant time.
C94
Where it appears to the Secretary of State that there is not in force in respect of any registered vessel any such certificate as is mentioned in section 15(2), he may by notice served on the owner of the vessel require the vessel to be presented for a survey under the fishing vessel survey rules within the period of 30 days beginning with the date of service of the notice.
5
If the vessel is not presented for such a survey within that period—
a
the Secretary of State shall serve a notice under subsection (6) on the owner of the vessel, and
b
the vessel’s registration shall terminate by virtue of this subsection at the relevant time.
6
A notice under this subsection is a notice stating—
a
that the Secretary of State is not satisfied that the vessel in question is eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel, or
b
that the vessel has not been presented for a survey as required by a notice under subsection (4),
as the case may be, and that the vessel’s registration will accordingly terminate at the relevant time by virtue of subsection (3) or (5).
7
In this section “the relevant time”, in relation to a notice under subsection (6), means the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date of service of that notice.
17 Consequences of termination of registration by virtue of s.16.
1
Where the registration of any vessel has terminated by virtue of section 16(3) or (5), then, without prejudice to the operation of any other provision of this Part of this Act or of regulations under section 13, the vessel shall not again be registered as a British fishing vessel unless—
a
the Secretary of State is satisfied that the earlier failure of the vessel to be eligible to be so registered or (as the case may be) to be presented for a survey was due to inadvertence, and (in the latter case) that the vessel has since been presented for a survey, or
b
the Secretary of State consents to the vessel being so registered, or
c
in the case of a vessel whose registration terminated by virtue of section 16(3), the Secretary of State is satisfied that the vessel has been disposed of by its former registered owner by means of a transaction at arm’s length and that no person who for the time being is a relevant owner of the vessel was a relevant owner of it at the time when its registration terminated.
2
In subsection (1)(a) “survey” means a survey under the fishing vessel survey rules.
3
For the purposes of subsection (1)(c) a person is a relevant owner of a vessel at any time if at that time—
a
the legal title to the vessel or any share in it is vested in that person, or
b
the vessel or any share in it is beneficially owned by that person, or
c
any shares in a company falling within paragraph (a) or (b) above are legally or beneficially owned by that person,
whether vested in, or (as the case may be) owned by, that person alone or together with any other person or persons.
18 Registration of property in fishing vessels.
1
For the purposes of the registration of a fishing vessel—
a
the property in the vessel shall be divided into 64 shares;
b
except as provided by paragraph (c), the number of persons registered as owners of the vessel shall not at any time exceed 64;
c
any number of persons not exceeding five may be registered as joint owners of the vessel or of any share in the vessel (but for the purposes of paragraph (b) the registered joint owners of any such share shall be treated as constituting one person);
d
a registered joint owner of the vessel or of any share in the vessel shall not be entitled to dispose of his interest in the vessel or share separately from the interest or interests in it of the other joint owner or joint owners; and
e
a person shall not be entitled to be registered as the owner of a fractional part of a share in the vessel.
2
Subsection (1)(b) and (c) do not prejudice any beneficial interest of any person represented by or claiming under or through a registered owner (including a registered joint owner).
Transfers etc. of registered vessels
19 Transfer of vessel or share by bill of sale. C10
1
Any transfer of—
a
a registered vessel (not being a vessel registered in pursuance of paragraph 2(c) of Schedule 2), or
b
a share in any such vessel,
shall be effected by a bill of sale satisfying the requirements specified in subsection (2), unless the transfer will result in the vessel ceasing to be British-owned for the purposes of section 14(1)(a).
2
Those requirements are that the bill of sale—
a
is in such form as may be prescribed or approved by the Secretary of State; and
b
contains a description of the vessel sufficient to identify the vessel to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State.
3
Where any such vessel or share has been transferred in accordance with subsection (1), the transferee shall not be registered as owner of the vessel or share unless—
a
he has made an application for the purpose in accordance with regulations under section 13 and has produced to the Secretary of State the bill of sale by which the vessel or share has been so transferred, and
b
the Secretary of State is satisfied as mentioned in section 15(1);
and section 15(2) and (3) shall apply in relation to an application under this subsection as they apply in relation to an application for the registration of a fishing vessel.
4
If an application under subsection (3) is granted by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall—
a
register the bill of sale referred to in paragraph (a) of that subsection by causing the applicant’s name to be entered in the register as owner of the vessel or share in question, and
b
endorse on the bill of sale the fact that that entry has been made, together with the date and time when it was made.
5
Bills of sale shall be registered under subsection (4) in the order in which they are produced to the Secretary of State for the purposes of registration.
6
If on an application under subsection (3) the Secretary of State is not satisfied that the vessel with respect to which the application is made is eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel—
a
the Secretary of State shall serve a notice under subsection (7) on the owner of the vessel; and
b
the vessel’s registration shall terminate by virtue of this subsection at the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date of service of that notice.
7
A notice under this subsection is a notice stating—
a
that the Secretary of State is not satisfied that the vessel in question is eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel; and
b
that the vessel’s registration will accordingly terminate by virtue of subsection (6) at the end of the period referred to in that subsection.
20 Transmission of property in vessel or share other than under s.19. C11
1
Where a registered vessel, or a share in a registered vessel, is transmitted to any person by any lawful means other than by a transfer under section 19, that person shall not be registered as owner of the vessel or share unless—
a
he has made an application for the purpose in accordance with regulations under section 13 and has produced to the Secretary of State such evidence of the transmission as may be prescribed; and
b
the Secretary of State is satisfied as mentioned in section 15(1);
and section 15(2) and (3) shall apply in relation to an application under this subsection as they apply in relation to an application for the registration of a fishing vessel.
2
If an application under subsection (1) is granted by the Secretary of State, he shall cause the applicant’s name to be entered in the register as owner of the vessel or share.
3
The preceding provisions of this section shall apply in relation to the transmission of the interest of a joint owner in a registered vessel or in a share in any such vessel as they apply in relation to the transmission of any such vessel or share, except that anything required to be done by virtue of subsection (1)(a) shall be done by both or all of the joint owners of the vessel or share.
4
If on an application under subsection (1) the Secretary of State is not satisfied that the vessel with respect to which the application is made is eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel—
a
the Secretary of State shall serve a notice under subsection (5) on the owner of the vessel; and
b
the vessel’s registration shall terminate by virtue of this subsection at the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date of service of that notice.
5
A notice under this subsection is a notice stating—
a
that the Secretary of State is not satisfied that the vessel in question is eligible to be registered as a British fishing vessel; and
b
that the vessel’s registration will accordingly terminate by virtue of subsection (4) at the end of the period referred to in that subsection.
Mortgages of registered vessels
21 Mortgages of registered vessels.
1
Schedule 3 to this Act (which makes provision with respect to the registration of mortgages) shall have effect.
2
Where the registration of any fishing vessel terminates by virtue of any provision of this Act, the termination of that registration shall not affect any entry made in the register under Schedule 3 so far as relating to any undischarged registered mortgage of that vessel or of any share in it.
3
In subsection (2) “registered mortgage” has the same meaning as in Schedule 3.
Unregistered fishing vessels
22 Offences relating to, and liabilities of, unregistered fishing vessels.
1
If any fishing vessel to which this subsection applies fishes for profit—
a
the skipper, the owner and any charterer of the vessel shall each be guilty of an offence; and
b
the vessel shall be liable to forfeiture.
2
Subsection (1) applies to any fishing vessel which is either—
a
eligible to be registered under this Part, or
b
wholly owned by one or more persons qualified to be owners of British ships for the purposes of Part I of the 1894 Act,
but is neither registered under this Part nor excluded from registration by regulations under section 13 nor registered under the law of any country outside the United Kingdom.
3
Subsection (1) also applies to any fishing vessel which (notwithstanding that it is not entitled to be so registered) is for the time being registered in the United Kingdom under Part I of the 1894 Act or section 5 of the M10Merchant Shipping Act 1983 (registration of small ships).
4
Subject to subsection (8), if any prescribed marks are displayed on a fishing vessel which is not a registered vessel, the skipper, the owner and any charterer of the vessel shall each be guilty of an offence.
5
If the skipper or owner of a fishing vessel which is not a registered vessel does anything, or permits anything to be done, for the purpose of causing the vessel to appear to be a registered vessel, then (subject to subsection (8))—
a
the skipper, the owner and any charterer of the vessel shall each be guilty of an offence; and
b
the vessel shall be liable to forfeiture.
6
Where a fishing vessel is not a British ship and is not registered under the law of any country outside the United Kingdom, but—
a
it is eligible to be registered under this Part, or
b
it is wholly owned by one or more such persons as are mentioned in subsection (2)(b), or
c
(subject to subsection (8)) any prescribed marks are displayed on it,
then (notwithstanding that the vessel is not entitled to any benefits, privileges, advantages or protection usually enjoyed by a British ship) the vessel shall, for the purposes mentioned in subsection (7), be dealt with in the same manner in all respects as if the vessel were a British ship.
7
Those purposes are—
a
the payment of dues, fees or other charges;
b
liability to fines and forfeiture; and
c
the punishment of offences committed on board the vessel, or by any persons belonging to it.
8
Where the registration of any vessel has terminated by virtue of any provision of this Part, any prescribed marks displayed on the vessel within the period of 14 days beginning with the date of termination of that registration shall be disregarded for the purposes of subsections (4) to (6).
9
Subsections (1), (4) and (5)(a) apply to offences falling within those provisions wherever committed.
10
Section 76 of the 1894 Act (proceedings on forfeiture of ship) shall apply to any vessel liable to forfeiture under this section as it applies to any such ship as is mentioned in subsection (1) of that section.
Supplemental
23 Notification of changes in ownership etc., and offences relating to furnishing of information.
1
If at any time there occurs, in relation to a registered vessel—
a
any change affecting the eligibility of the vessel to be registered as a British fishing vessel, or
b
any change (not falling within paragraph (a)) in the percentage of the property in the vessel which is beneficially owned by persons who are qualified persons or companies within the meaning of section 14,
the owner of the vessel shall, as soon as practicable after the change occurs, notify the Secretary of State in writing of that change.
2
Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.
3
Any person who—
a
in connection with the registration of any vessel or the making of any other entry in the register in pursuance of this Part, or
b
in purported compliance with the requirements of any notice under section 16(1),
knowingly or recklessly furnishes information which is false in a material particular shall be guilty of an offence.
4
Any person who intentionally alters, suppresses, conceals or destroys a document which he has been required to produce by a notice under section 16(1) shall be guilty of an offence.
24 Penalties for offences under s. 22 or 23 and other provisions relating to such offences.
1
Any person guilty of an offence under section 22 or 23 shall be liable—
a
on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £50,000;
b
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine, or both.
2
Proceedings for an offence under section 22 or 23 shall not be instituted—
a
in England and Wales, except by or with the consent of the Attorney General, the Secretary of State or the Minister; or
b
in Northern Ireland, except by or with the consent of the Attorney General for Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State or the Minister.
3
Proceedings for an offence under section 22 may be taken, and the offence may for all incidental purposes be treated as having been committed, in any place in the United Kingdom.
4
In this section “the Minister”—
a
in relation to England and Wales, means the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and
b
in relation to Northern Ireland, means the Secretary of State concerned with sea fishing in Northern Ireland.
25 Application of other enactments, etc.
1
Any reference (however phrased) in any statutory provision not contained in this Act to the registration of a fishing vessel under any of the enactments specified in section 13(2) shall, so far as the context permits, be construed as, or as including, a reference to the registration of a fishing vessel under this Part; and connected phrases shall be construed accordingly.
2
The following provisions of the 1894 Act, namely—
a
section 69 (penalty for unduly assuming British character), and
b
section 71 (penalty for acquiring ownership if unqualified),
shall not apply to a registered vessel; and section 72 of that Act (liabilities of unregistered ships) shall not apply to a fishing vessel (whether registered or not).
3
Sections 8 and 9 of the M11Sea Fisheries Act 1968 (general powers of British sea-fishery officers and powers of sea-fishery officers to enforce conventions) shall apply in relation to—
a
this Part of this Act, and
b
any regulations made under it,
as they apply in relation to any order mentioned in section 8 of that Act and in relation to any convention mentioned in section 9 of that Act respectively; and sections 10 to 12 and 14 of that Act (offences and supplemental provisions as to legal proceedings) shall apply accordingly.
4
A document purporting to be a copy of any information contained in an entry in the register and to be certified as a true copy by an authorised officer of the Secretary of State shall be evidence (and, in Scotland, sufficient evidence) of the matters stated in the document.
Part III Miscellaneous Provisions relating to Merchant Shipping etc.
Financial assistance
F1326. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F1427. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protection of shipping interests
F2438. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F2539. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F2640. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing and administration of lighthouse service
F2741. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F2842. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F2943. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inquiries
F3044. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3145. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Crew agreements
F3246. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Miscellaneous
F3347. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3448. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part IV General
F3549. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3650. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3751. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3852. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3953 Regulations.
1
Any power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under this Act shall be exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment by a resolution of either House of Parliament.
2
Regulations under this Act may—
a
make different provision for different classes or descriptions of ships and for different circumstances; and
b
make such transitional, incidental or supplementary provision as appears to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient.
F4054. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F4155 Financial provisions.
1
There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the provisions of this Act.
2
Any sums received by the Secretary of State by virtue of this Act shall (subject to subsection (3)) be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
3
Subsection (2) does not apply to—
a
any sums required by virtue of any other provision of this Act to be paid into the General Lighthouse Fund, or
b
any sums paid to the Secretary of State out of that fund under section 2A(1) of the M3Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act 1898.
F4256. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I157 Interpretation, minor and consequential amendments and repeals.
F431
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
In this Act—
“the 1894 Act” means the M4Merchant Shipping Act 1894;
“country” includes any territory;
“the Merchant Shipping Acts” means the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 1986 and this Act;
“modifications” includes additions, omissions and alterations;
“relevant overseas territory” means—
a
the Isle of Man,
b
any of the Channel Islands, or
c
any colony;
“statutory provision” means any provision contained in or having effect under any enactment.
F433
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F434
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F435
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58 Citation, commencement, transitional provisions and extent.
1
This Act may be cited as the Merchant Shipping Act 1988; and this Act and the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 1986 may be cited together as the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 1988.
C52
This Act, except Part II, shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may appoint by order made by statutory instrument, and different days may be appointed for different provisions or for different purposes.
3
Part II of this Act shall come into force on the date of the coming into force of the first regulations made under section 13.
4
The transitional provisions and savings contained in Schedule 8 to this Act shall have effect; and the Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument make such transitional, incidental, supplemental, consequential or saving provision as appears to him to be necessary or expedient in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act or the operation of any enactment which is repealed or amended by a provision of this Act during any period when the repeal or amendment is not wholly in force.
5
With the exception of—
sections 36 and 37,
section 45, and
section 57(4) and (5) and Schedules 6 and 7 so far as they amend or repeal any enactment which does not extend to Northern Ireland,
this Act extends to Northern Ireland.
SCHEDULES
F45SCHEDULE 1
Sch. 1 (except para. 48) repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt. I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
1
Omit sections 1 to 3 (qualification for owning British ships and registration of such ships).
2
In section 4 (registrars of British ships)—
a
for subsection (1) substitute—
1
The registrar of British ships at any port in the United Kingdom approved by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise for the registry of ships shall be any officer (whether at that port or elsewhere) appointed for the purpose by the Commissioners.
b
omit subsection (2).
3
In section 5 (register books), for the words from “a book” to “that book” substitute “a register of such ships (referred to in this Part of this Act as “the register”), and entries in the register”.
4
In section 6 (survey and measurement of ships), omit “British”.
5
In section 7 (marking of ships)—
a
in subsection (1), omit “British”;
b
omit subsection (2); and
c
in subsection (5), for the words from “British” to “so marked” substitute “registered ship neglects to keep his ship marked as required by this section”.
6
In section 9 (declaration of ownership on registry)—
a
omit paragraph (iii);
b
in paragraph (iv), for the words from “of which” onwards substitute “the legal title to which is vested in him or (as the case may be) the corporation, whether alone or jointly with any other person or persons:”;
c
for paragraph (v) substitute—
v
A declaration that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, a majority interest in the ship is owned by persons qualified to be owners of British ships, and the ship is otherwise entitled to be registered
d
at the end add—
vi
In the case of a ship which is for the time being registered under the law of any country outside the United Kingdom, a declaration that, if the ship is still so registered at the time when it becomes registered under this Part of this Act, he will take all reasonable steps to secure the termination of the ship’s registration under the law of that country.
In the application of this section to a ship which is not wholly owned by persons qualified to be owners of British ships, paragraph (i) above shall have effect only in relation to persons who are so qualified.
7
In section 11 (entry of particulars in register book), omit “book”.
8
In section 13 (port of registry), omit “British”.
9
In section 14 (certificate of registry), for “book, with the name of her master” substitute “in pursuance of section 11 of this Act.”
10
In section 18 (provision for loss of certificate)—
a
for subsection (2) substitute—
2
If—
a
the port where the ship is at the time of the event (or, as the case may be, where it first arrives thereafter) is a port in a country outside the British Islands, and
b
the master of the ship, or some other person having knowledge of the facts of the case, makes a declaration before the appropriate person stating—
i
the facts of the case, and
ii
the names and descriptions of the registered owners of the ship to the best of the declarant’s knowledge and belief,
the appropriate person may thereupon grant a provisional certificate containing a statement of the circumstances under which it is granted.
b
in subsection (3), for the words from “her port” (where first occurring) to “that port” substitute “a port in the United Kingdom”; and
c
at the end add—
4
In this section “the appropriate person”, in relation to a port in a country outside the British Islands, means—
a
any British consular officer within whose consular district the port lies, or
b
where Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom is represented in that country by a High Commissioner, any member of the High Commissioner’s official staff nominated by him for the purposes of this Part of this Act, or
c
where that country is a colony, the Governor of the colony or any person appointed by him for those purposes;
and in this subsection “High Commissioner” includes an acting High Commissioner and “Governor” includes an acting Governor.
11
Omit section 19 (endorsement of change of master on certificate).
12
In section 21 (delivery up of certificate of ship lost or ceasing to be British-owned)—
a
in subsection (1)—
i
for the words from “ceasing” to “every owner” substitute
in the event of such a ship—
a
ceasing to be entitled to be registered (whether because a majority interest in the ship is no longer owned by persons qualified to be owners of British ships or for any other reason), or
b
becoming registered, otherwise than under this Part of this Act, in the United Kingdom,
every registered owner
ii
for the words from “book and” onwards substitute “and the registry of the ship shall terminate forthwith.”;
b
for subsection (2) substitute—
2
Except where the ship’s certificate of registry is lost or destroyed, the master of the ship shall, as soon as practicable after the event, deliver up the certificate—
a
to the registrar of the ship’s port of registry, or
b
if the port where the ship is at the time of the event (or, as the case may be, where it first arrives thereafter) is a port in a country outside the British Islands, to the appropriate person (as defined by section 18(4) of this Act);
and any person receiving a certificate in pursuance of paragraph (b) above shall forthwith forward it to the registrar of the ship’s port of registry.
c
at the end add—
4
The registry of a registered ship shall also terminate if—
a
the owner of the ship gives notice to the registrar of the ship’s port of registry that he desires to terminate the ship’s registry, and
b
the registrar records the giving of that notice in the register.
5
Where the registry of a ship terminates by reason of—
a
any notice given in pursuance of subsection (4) of this section, or
b
any direction given by the Secretary of State under section 7 (5) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 (power to direct removal from register in certain cases),
subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall have effect in relation to the delivering up and forwarding of the ship’s certificate of registry as if the giving of that notice or direction were the event referred to in subsection (2).
6
Where the registry of a ship terminates—
a
under subsection (1) or (4) of this section, or
b
as mentioned in subsection (5)(b) of this section,
the termination of its registry shall not affect any entry made in the register so far as relating to any undischarged registered mortgage, or any existing certificate of mortgage, of that ship or of any share in it.
7
Subsection (6) of this section shall not apply to an entry in the register in a case where—
a
the mortgage in question becomes registered under Part II of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988, or
b
the registrar is satisfied that every person appearing on the register to be interested as a mortgagee under the mortgage in question has consented to the entry ceasing to have effect.
13
For section 22 substitute—
22 Provisional certificate for ship becoming entitled to be registered while abroad.
1
If a ship becomes entitled to be registered while at a port in a country outside the British Islands, then (subject to the following provisions of this section) the appropriate person (as defined by section 18(4) of this Act) may, on the application of the master of the ship, grant to him a provisional certificate stating the matters specified in subsection (2) of this section, and shall forward a copy of the certificate at the first convenient opportunity to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen.
2
Those matters are—
a
the name of the ship;
b
the time and place of the purchase of the ship and the names of the purchasers; and
c
the best particulars respecting the tonnage, build and description of the ship which the person granting the certificate is able to obtain.
3
No provisional certificate shall be granted by any person under this section unless he is satisfied that an application under section 8 of this Act for registry of the ship has been made or is intended.
4
A provisional certificate shall have the effect of a certificate of registry until—
a
the expiration of three months from its date, or
b
the ship’s arrival at a port where there is a registrar,
whichever happens first, and shall then cease to be of any effect.
5
Where a provisonal certificate has been granted for a ship under this section, no further provisional certificate shall be so granted for the ship within one year from the date of that certificate except with the consent of the Secretary of State.
14
In section 23 (temporary passes in lieu of certificates of registry)—
a
omit “, or to the governor of a British possession,”;
b
for the words from “any port” to “dominions”, in the second place where it occurs, substitute “one port in the United Kingdom to another”; and
c
omit “or the governor”.
15
In section 24 (transfer of ships or shares), for subsection (1) substitute—
1
Any transfer of—
a
a registered ship, or
b
a share in any such ship,
shall be effected by a bill of sale, unless the transfer will result in a majority interest in the ship no longer being owned by persons qualified to be owners of British ships.
16
In section 25 (declaration of transfer)—
a
after “transferred” insert “in accordance with section 24(1) of this Act”;
b
for paragraph (b) substitute—
b
a declaration that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, a majority interest in the ship is owned by persons qualified to be owners of British ships, and the ship is otherwise entitled to be registered.
c
at the end add—
In the application of this section to a ship which is not wholly owned by persons qualified to be owners of British ships, paragraph (a) above shall have effect only in relation to persons who are so qualified.
17
In section 26 (registration of transfers), omit “book” wherever occurring.
18
In section 27 (transmission of property in ship on death, etc.)—
a
in subsection (1)—
i
for the words from “a person” to “under this Act” substitute “any person by any lawful means other than a transfer under section 24 of this Act and a majority interest in the ship remains in the ownership of persons qualified to be owners of British ships”, and
ii
omit paragraph (b); and
b
in subsection (2), omit “book”.
19
In section 28 (order for sale on transmission to unqualified person), for subsection (1) substitute—
1
Where the property in a registered ship or share therein is transmitted to any person by any lawful means other than a transfer under section 24 of this Act, but as a result a majority interest in the ship no longer remains in the ownership of persons qualified to be owners of British ships, then—
a
if the ship is registered in England and Wales or in Northern Ireland, the High Court, or
b
if the ship is registered in Scotland, the Court of Session,
may, on an application by or on behalf of that person, order a sale of the property so transmitted and direct that the proceeds of sale, after deducting the expenses of the sale, shall be paid to that person or otherwise as the court direct.
20
In section 30 (power of courts to prohibit transfer), for paragraphs (a) to (d) substitute—
a
in England and Wales or in Northern Ireland, the High Court; and
b
in Scotland, the Court of Session,
21
In section 31 (mortgage of registered ship or share), for subsection (1) substitute—
1
A registered ship, or a share in any such ship, may be made a security for the repayment of a loan or the discharge of any other obligation; and on production of the instrument creating any such security (referred to in this Act as a mortgage) the registrar of the ship’s port of registry shall record it in the register.
22
In sections 32 and 33 (other provisions about mortgages), omit “book” wherever occurring.
23
In section 37 (transfer of mortgages), for the words from “and the instrument” to “book” substitute “and on production of the instrument effecting the transfer the registrar shall record it by entering in the register”.
24
In section 38 (transmission of interest in mortgage otherwise than by transfer)—
a
in subsection (1), omit “marriage,”; and
b
in subsection (2), omit “book”.
25
Omit sections 39 to 46 (certificates of mortgage and sale).
26
In the following provisions, namely—
section 47(4) and (5) (rules as to name of ship), and
section 48(1) (registration of alterations),
omit “book” wherever occurring.
27
In section 49(2) (rules as to registration of alterations), for “his register book” substitute “the register”.
28
In section 50(2) (provisional certificate and endorsement where ship is to be registered anew), for the words from “her port” (where first occurring) to “register thereof” substitute “a port in the United Kingdom, be delivered up to the registrar of the ship’s port of registry.”
29
In section 53 (transfer of registry)—
a
in subsection (1)—
i
at the beginning insert “Subject to subsection (5) of this section,”, and
ii
after “one port” insert “in the United Kingdom”;
b
in subsection (4)—
i
before “grant” insert “(subject to subsection (5) of this section)”, and
ii
for “his register book” substitute “the register”; and
c
after subsection (4) add—
5
Where the entitlement of a ship to be registered is by virtue of any provision of section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 subject to any condition specified in that provision being satisfied, the registry of the ship shall not be transferred to any port under this section unless it appears to the registrar of that port that that condition is satisfied.
30
After section 53 insert—
53A Transfer of registry to overseas territory.
1
Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the registration of a ship under this Part of this Act may be transferred from a port in the United Kingdom to a port in a relevant overseas territory; and the provisions of section 53 of this Act (except subsections (4) and (5)) shall apply in relation to a transfer of registration under this section as they apply in relation to a transfer of registration under that section.
2
Where an application is made under this section for the transfer of a ship’s registration to a port in a relevant overseas territory, the registrar of the ship’s existing port of registry shall not proceed to deal with the application unless he is satisfied that registration of the ship under this Part of this Act at the intended port of registry is not precluded by—
a
any Order in Council in force under section 11 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988, or
b
any provision of the law in force in the territory in question;
and any certificate purporting to be signed by the registrar of the intended port of registry and stating that any such registration of the ship is not precluded by any such provision shall be conclusive evidence for the purposes of this subsection of the matters stated in it.
3
Where the registrar of the intended port of registry grants a fresh certificate of registry in pursuance of any such application as is mentioned in subsection (2) of this section, the ship in question shall thenceforth be considered as registered at the new port of registry, and the name of that port shall be substituted for the name of the former port of registry on the ship’s stern.
4
The registrar of the former port of registry shall, on being notified by the registrar of the new port of registry of the grant of the new certificate of registry, terminate the registration of the ship in his register.
5
In this section “relevant overseas territory” means—
a
the Isle of Man;
b
any of the Channel Islands; or
c
any colony.
53B Transfer of registry from overseas territory.
1
Where a ship is registered under this Part of this Act in a relevant overseas territory (as defined by section 53A(5) of this Act), the registration of that ship may (subject to subsection (5) of this section) be transferred to a port in the United Kingdom if—
a
an application to the registrar of the existing port of registry has been made for the purpose by a declaration in writing by all the persons appearing on his register to be interested in the ship as owners or mortgagees, and
b
the documents mentioned in subsection (2) of this section have been transmitted to the registrar of the intended port of registry.
2
Those documents are—
a
a notice of the application transmitted by the registrar of the existing port of registry;
b
a copy transmitted by him of all the registered particulars of the ship and the names of all the persons appearing on his register to be interested in the ship as owners or mortgagees; and
c
the ship’s certificate of registry.
3
On receipt of those documents the registrar of the intended port of registry shall (subject to subsection (5) of this section)—
a
enter in the register all the particulars and names so transmitted, and
b
grant a fresh certificate of registry;
and thenceforth the ship in question shall be considered as registered at the new port of registry, and the name of that port shall be substituted for the name of the former port of registry on the ship’s stern.
4
The registrar of the new port of registry shall notify the registrar of the former port of registry of the grant of the new certificate of registry.
5
Subsection (5) of section 53 of this Act shall apply to a transfer of registration under this section as it applies to a transfer of registration under that section.
6
A transfer of registration under this section shall not affect the rights of any of the persons mentioned in subsection (1)(a) of this section.
31
Omit section 54 (restrictions on re-registration of abandoned ships).
32
Omit section 55 (provision for cases of infancy or other incapacity).
33
In sections 56 and 57 (trusts and equitable rights), omit “book”, wherever occurring.
34
In section 59 (registration of managing owner or manager), for subsection (1) substitute—
1
A person shall not be the managing owner of a registered ship unless he is a person qualified to own a British ship, and the name and address of the managing owner of any registered ship shall be registered by the registrar of the ship’s port of registry.
35
Omit section 61(1) (mode of making declarations).
36
In section 62 (application of fees), omit—
a
“, if taken in any part of the United Kingdom,”; and
b
the words from “if taken in a British possession” onwards.
37
In section 63 (returns to be made by registrars)—
a
in subsection (1)—
i
omit “in the United Kingdom”,
ii
omit the words from “, and every” to “Seamen,”, and
iii
for “him” (where it first occurs) substitute “the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen”; and
b
in subsection (2), omit “at a port in the United Kingdom”.
38
In section 64 (inspection and evidence of register book and other documents)—
a
in subsection (1), for “any register book” substitute “the information contained in any entries in the register”;
b
in subsection (2)—
i
omit paragraph (a), and
ii
in paragraph (d), omit “in respect of a British ship”; and
c
for subsection (3) substitute—
3
A person shall be entitled, on payment of the prescribed fee, to obtain—
a
a copy, certified as a true copy by the registrar, of any information contained in an entry in a register kept under this Part of this Act; or
b
a copy, certified as a true copy by the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, of any information contained in an entry in the register of British ships kept by him under the direction of the Secretary of State;
and any document purporting to be such a certified copy shall be evidence, and in Scotland sufficient evidence, of the matters stated in the document.
4
A person shall be entitled, on payment of the prescribed fee, to obtain such a certified copy of the information entered in a register on the registry of a ship, together with a statement certified by the registrar showing who is for the time being the owner of the ship.
5
The provisions of subsection (3), and (in Scotland) of subsection (4), of section 695 of this Act shall apply to any document supplied in pursuance of subsection (3) or (4) of this section as they apply to any document to which that section applies.
6
In subsection (3) or (4) of this section “the prescribed fee” means such fee as the Secretary of State may prescribe for the purposes of that subsection by regulations made with the approval of the Treasury.
39
In section 65 (forms of documents and instructions as to registry)—
a
in subsection (1), omit the words from “, and also” to “schedule”;
b
in subsections (2) and (4), omit “book” wherever occurring; and
c
omit subsection (3).
40
In section 67(2) (false declarations), after “any share therein,” insert “or the entitlement of a ship to be registered,”.
41
In section 69(1) (penalty for unduly assuming British character), for the words from “owned” to “own a British ship,” substitute “in which a majority interest is not owned by persons qualified to be owners of British ships, and does so”.
42
For section 70 substitute—
70 Penalty for concealing British character of a ship.
If the master or owner of a British ship does anything, or permits anything to be done, for the purpose of—
a
concealing the nationality of the ship from any person entitled under the law of any part of the United Kingdom to inquire into the nationality of the ship, or
b
deceiving such a person, or
c
causing the ship to appear not to be a British ship,
the ship shall be subject to forfeiture under this Act; and the master and the owner of the ship shall each be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the fifth level on the standard scale.
43
Omit section 71 (penalty for acquiring ownership if unqualified).
44
For section 72 substitute—
72 Liabilities of unregistered ships.
1
Where a ship—
a
is 24 metres or more in length, and
b
is wholly owned by one or more persons qualified to be owners of British ships, but
c
is neither registered under this Part of this Act nor registered under the law of any country outside the United Kingdom,
then (notwithstanding that the ship is not entitled to any benefits, privileges, advantages or protection usually enjoyed by a British ship) the ship shall, for the purposes mentioned in subsection (2) of this section, be dealt with in the same manner in all respects as if the ship were a British ship.
2
Those purposes are—
a
the payment of dues, fees or other charges;
b
liability to fines and forfeiture; and
c
the punishment of offences committed on board the ship, or by any persons belonging to the ship.
3
In this section “length”, in relation to a ship, has the same meaning as in the tonnage regulations of this Act.
45
In section 73 (national colours for ships and penalty for carrying improper colours)—
a
in subsection (1)—
i
for “ships and boats belonging to any British subject” substitute “British ships”, and
ii
omit “or boats” and “or boat”;
b
in subsection (2)—
i
for “ship or boat belonging to any British subject” substitute “British ship”, and
ii
omit “or boat” (where last occurring); and
c
in subsection (3), omit “or boat”.
46
In section 74 (penalty for ship not showing colours)—
a
in subsection (1), for “A ship belonging to a British subject” substitute “A British ship”; and
b
for subsection (3) substitute—
3
This section shall not apply to a fishing vessel registered under Part II of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 and duly marked in accordance with regulations under section 13 of that Act.
47
1
Section 76 (proceedings on forfeiture of ship) shall be amended as follows.
2
In subsection (1)—
a
for paragraphs (b) and (c) substitute
or
b
any person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section;
b
omit the words from “and elsewhere” to “dominions,”; and
c
after “the officer” insert “or other person”.
3
In subsection (2), for “as in this section mentioned” substitute “or other person as is mentioned in subsection (1) of this section”.
F4448
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
Omit section 85 (space occupied by deck cargo to be liable to dues).
50
Omit sections 88 to 90 (registration of ships abroad).
51
Omit section 91 (application of Part I).
52
In Schedule 1 (forms relating to registration)—
a
omit Part I; and
b
in Part II—
i
omit “Certificate of mortgage”, “Certificate of sale” and “Revocation of certificate of sale or mortgage”, and
ii
at the end add—
“Mortgage.”
“Transfer of mortgage.”
F46SCHEDULE 2
Sch. 2 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt. I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
Interpretation
1
In this Schedule—
“declaration of British character” means a declaration, in such form as may be prescribed, relating to the eligibility of a fishing vessel to be registered as a British fishing vessel;
“regulations” means regulations made under section 13;
“relevant statutory provision” means any provision of this Part or ofregulations;
“specified” means specified in regulations.
Regulations: general provisions
2
Regulations may make provision—
a
for the persons by whom and the manner in which applications in connection with registration are to be made (including provision limiting the persons who may apply for registration, whether by reference to residence or place of business or otherwise);
b
for the information and evidence to be provided in connection with such applications and for such supplementary information or evidence as may be required by any authority specified in the regulations for the purpose to be so provided, and for the production, in connection with such applications, of declarations of British character;
C12c
for the registration of vessels as vessels to which the provisions of this Part relating to transfers by bill of sale and the registration of mortgages do not apply;
d
for the issue of certificates of registration (including temporary certificates), their production and surrender;
e
for the marking of registered vessels;
f
for the period for which the registration of a vessel is to remain effective without renewal;
g
for matters arising out of the expiration or termination of registration (including the removal of marks and the cancellation of certificates);
h
for declarations of British character to be produced to the Secretary of State, as respects registered vessels, at specified intervals or at the request of the Secretary of State;
i
for the payment of fees determined with the approval of the Treasury;
j
excluding from registration, or from any provision of the regulations, any specified class or description of vessel;
k
for the manner in which notices or other documents required or authorised to be given or served by virtue of any relevant statutory provision are to be given or served;
l
for prescribing anything which is authorised to be prescribed under this Part;
m
for any of the provisions of Part I of the 1894 Act to have effect in relation to the registration of fishing vessels subject to such modifications (if any) as may be specified;
n
for any other matters relating to the establishment and maintenance of the register (including its inspection).
Provisional registration
3
Regulations may make provision—
a
for fishing vessels acquired outside the United Kingdom which are eligible to be registered as British fishing vessels to be provisionally registered as such pending their registration in the register;
b
for any such provisional registration to terminate in specified circumstances (including failure to comply with requirements imposed by or under the regulations).
Transfers of registration
4
1
Regulations may make provision with respect to the transfer to the register of—
a
fishing vessels to which section 13(3) applies where those vessels are eligible to be registered as British fishing vessels, and
b
undischarged mortgages affecting those vessels,
and with respect to matters consequential on the termination of the registration of fishing vessels under any of the enactments specified in section 13(2) (including vessels which are not transferred to the register).
2
Any such regulations may make provision—
a
for any of the matters specified in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (i) of paragraph 2;
b
for applications under sections 19(3) and 20(1) to be treated, in cases where those provisions apply by virtue of section 13(4), as applications for registration of the vessels in question;
c
for the issue of certificates of registration under this Part (including temporary certificates) and for the surrender of certificates of registration issued under any of the enactments specified in section 13(2);
d
for preserving the effect of entries in any register kept under either of the enactments specified in section 13(2)(a) and (c) so far as those entries relate to undischarged mortgages affecting vessels which are not transferred to the register kept under this Part.
3
Nothing in this paragraph prejudices the generality of paragraph 2.
Offences
5
1
Regulations may provide for the creation of offences and their punishment on summary conviction in any of the following cases—
a
where a person with intent to deceive, uses, or lends to or allows to be used by another, a certificate of registration, whether in force or not;
b
where a person required by regulations to ensure that any requirement of the regulations as to the marking of a fishing vessel is satisfied fails to ensure that that requirement is satisfied;
c
where a person required by regulations to surrender a certificate of registration fails without reasonable excuse to surrender the certificate.
2
Any such regulations shall—
a
in the case of an offence created by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(a), provide for the offence to be punishable with a fine not exceeding the fifth level on the standard scale; and
b
in the case of an offence created by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(b) or (c), provide for it to be punishable with a fine not exceeding the third level on the standard scale.
3
Regulations providing for the creation of an offence by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall provide that it shall be a defence for a person charged with the offence to prove that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence.
Operation of regulations in territorial waters
6
Regulations may provide for any of their provisions to extend to the territorial sea of the United Kingdom.
Discharge of functions by persons appointed by Secretary of State
7
1
The Secretary of State may appoint persons to discharge such functions in connection with—
a
applications for registration, or
b
the issue, production or surrender of certificates of registration,
as he may specify; and regulations may provide for references to the Secretary of State in any relevant statutory provision to be read as, or as including, references to any person so appointed.
2
Sub-paragraph (1) does not authorise the appointment of any person todetermine applications for registration.
Construction of references in other enactments to fishing vessels excluded from registration
8
References in any statutory provision (apart from section 2(1)(c)) to fishing vessels excluded from registration by regulations under section 13 shall be construed as references to fishing vessels which, being eligible to be registered under this Part by virtue of section 14, are excluded from registration by such regulations (and are not registered under the law of any country outside the United Kingdom).
C6F47SCHEDULE 3 Mortgages of Registered Fishing Vessels
Sch. 3 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
Sch. 3 excluded by S.I. 1988/1926, reg. 77
F48SCHEDULE 4
Sch. 4 repealed (1.5.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.II; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(2), Sch.2 and expressed to be repealed (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(1), 316(2), Sch. 12 (with s. 312(1), Sch. 14 para. 1)
F49SCHEDULE 5
Sch. 5 repealed (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(1), 316(2), Sch. 12 (with s. 312(1), Sch. 14 para. 1)
Merchant Shipping Law Amendment Act 1853 (c. 131)
Omit section 13 (power to commute pensions and grant superannuation allowances).
Merchant Shipping Law Amendment Act 1894 (c. 60)
1
Omit section 463 (survey of ship alleged to be unseaworthy in proceedings for desertion of seaman).
2
In section 531 (power of lighthouse authority to remove wreck), for subsection (2) substitute—
2
Where a general lighthouse authority have incurred expenses in the exercise of their powers under this section in relation to any vessel, then—
a
if the proceeds of any sale made under section 530 of this Act in connection with the exercise of those powers in relation to the vessel are insufficient to reimburse the authority for the full amount of those expenses, the authority may recover the amount of the deficiency from the relevant person, or
b
if there is no such sale, the authority may recover the full amount of those expenses from the relevant person.
3
Any expenses so incurred which are not recovered by the authority either out of the proceeds of any such sale or in accordance with subsection (2) of this section shall be paid out of the General Lighthouse Fund, but section 660 of this Act shall apply to those expenses as if they were expenses of the authority falling within subsection (1) of that section other than establishment expenses.
4
In this section “the relevant person”, in relation to any vessel, means the owner of the vessel at the time of the sinking, stranding or abandonment of the vessel.
F533. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F544. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
In section 648 (application and collection of light dues)—
a
omit subsection (1); and
b
in subsection (2), after “so appointed” insert “or (as the case may be) such of those dues as he is so appointed to collect”.
6
In section 652(4) (inspection of local lighthouses), omit the words from “; and those reports” onwards.
7
For section 658 substitute—
658 Expenses of general lighthouse authorities to be paid out of General Lighthouse Fund.
Any expenses incurred by the general lighthouse authorities in connection with the discharge of their functions under this Part of this Act shall be paid out of the General Lighthouse Fund.
8
In section 659 (establishments of general lighthouse authorities)—
a
in subsection (1), for “Her Majesty may by Order in Council fix” substitute “the Secretary of State may determine”;
b
in subsection (2), for “Her Majesty may by Order in Council fix” substitute “the Secretary of State may determine”; and
c
in subsection (3), for “fixed” substitute “determined”.
9
In section 676 (sums payable to Mercantile Marine Fund)—
a
in subsection (1)—
i
for the words from the beginning to “that fund—” substitute “The following sums (being sums which, in accordance with this subsection as originally enacted, were required to be paid to the former Mercantile Marine Fund) shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund—”,
ii
omit paragraph (i), and
iii
for paragraph (l) substitute—
l
any other sums which are by virtue of any enactment (as it has effect in accordance with subsection (1A) of this section) required to be paid into the Consolidated Fund in accordance with this section.
b
after subsection (1) insert—
1A
References (however phrased) in any enactment not contained in this section to the payment of sums into, or to the carrying of sums to the account of, the Mercantile Marine Fund shall be construed as references to the payment of sums into, or to the carrying of sums to the account of, the Consolidated Fund in accordance with this section, and connected phrases shall be construed accordingly.
10
In section 677 (application of Mercantile Marine Fund)—
a
for the words from the beginning to “the following expenses” substitute “The following expenses and other amounts (being expenses and amounts which, in accordance with this section as originally enacted, were payable out of the former Mercantile Marine Fund) shall be payable out of money provided by Parliament”;
b
omit paragraph (i);
c
for paragraph (o) substitute—
o
any other amounts which are by virtue of any enactment (as it has effect in accordance with subsection (2) of this section) payable out of money provided by Parliament in accordance with this section.
d
at the end add—
2
References (however phrased) in any enactment not contained in this section or in Part XI of this Act to the charging of amounts on, or to the payment of amounts out of, the Mercantile Marine Fund shall be construed as references to the payment of amounts out of money provided by Parliament in accordance with this section, and connected phrases shall be construed accordingly.
and accordingly the existing provisions of section 677, as amended by sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) above, shall constitute subsection (1) of that section.
11
In section 731 (exemption from rates)—
a
for “Mercantile Marine Fund” substitute “General Lighthouse Fund”; and
b
omit “or by the Board of Trade” and “or of the Board of Trade”.
12
Omit section 744 (application of Act to vessels fishing for whales, etc.).
Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act 1898 (c. 44)
For section 1 substitute—
1 Constitution of General Lighthouse Fund.
1
There shall continue to be a fund called the General Lighthouse Fund.
2
All light dues and other sums received by or accruing to any of the general lighthouse authorities by virtue of, or in connection with the discharge of their functions under, Part XI of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 shall be accounted for and paid to the General Lighthouse Fund.
3
The General Lighthouse Fund shall be applied to the payment of such expenses of the general lighthouse authorities and the Secretary of State as are, by virtue of any enactment, payable out of the Fund.
4
References to the Mercantile Marine Fund in Part XI and section 679 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 shall be construed as references to the General Lighthouse Fund.
Merchant Shipping Act 1906 (c. 48)
Omit section 52 (provisions with respect to mortgages of ships sold to foreigners).
Merchant Shipping Act 1970 (c. 36)
1
Omit section 23 (power of seamen to complain to master or proper officer about master, other seamen or conditions).
2
In section 30 (continued or concerted disobedience, neglect of duty etc. by seamen), omit paragraphs (a) and (b).
3
In section 42 (trade disputes involving seamen), omit subsection (2).
4
In section 56 (formal investigation into shipping casualty or incident), for subsections (5) and (6) substitute—
5
The wreck commissioner or sheriff may make such awards as he thinks just with regard to the costs of the investigation and of any parties at the investigation, and with regard to the parties by whom those costs are to be paid; and any such award of the wreck commissioner may, on the application of any party named in it, be made an order of the High Court.
6
Any costs directed by an award to be paid shall be taxable—
a
in the High Court, or
b
where the investigation was held in Scotland, by the auditor of the sheriff court in which it was held and in accordance with the table of fees regulating the taxation of solicitors’ accounts.
6A
The wreck commissioner or sheriff shall make a report on the investigation to the Secretary of State.
5
Omit sections 65 and 66 (custody and disposal of property of deceased seamen).
6
After section 75 insert—
75A Inspection and admissibility in evidence of copies of certain documents.
1
Where under any enactment a document is open to public inspection when in the custody of the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen—
a
there may be supplied for public inspection a copy or other reproduction of the document instead of theoriginal; but
b
the original shall nevertheless be made available for public inspection if the copy or other reproduction is illegible.
2
Where the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen destroys any document which has been sent to him under or by virtue of any enactment, and keeps a copy or other reproduction of that document, then—
a
any enactment providing for the document to beadmissible in evidence or open to public inspection, and
b
in the case of a document falling within subsection (1), that subsection,
shall apply to the copy or other reproduction as if it were the original.
3
For the purposes of this section, and of section 695(2) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 in its application to documents in the custody of the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen, a copy is to be taken to be the copy of a document notwithstanding that it is taken from a copy or other reproduction of the original.
I27
Omit section 89 (return of deserters under reciprocal arrangements).
8
In section 92 (unregistered British ships)—
a
omit “British”; and
b
after “employed in them,” insert “or shall so extend in such circumstances as may be so specified, in either case”.
9
In section 96 (non-sea-going ships)—
a
in subsection (1)—
i
after “20,” insert “27, 32 (in its application in relation to section 27),”, and
ii
after “60,” insert “76,”; and
b
for subsection (2) substitute—
2
In relation to ships which are not sea-going ships—
a
section 32 of this Act shall (in its application in relation to section 27) have effect as if the words “goes to sea in a ship” were omitted and the words “is on board a ship while it is on a voyage or excursion” were inserted after “to give it”; and
b
section 45 of this Act shall have effect as if for the words “goes to sea or attempts to go to sea” there were substituted the words “goes on a voyage or excursion or attempts to do so” and the words “if in the United Kingdom” were omitted.
Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution) Act 1971 (c. 59)
In section 10(6) (compulsory insurance against liability for pollution), for “£35,000” substitute “£50,000”.
Merchant Shipping Act 1979 (c. 39)
1
In section 46(1) (offences by officers of bodies corporate), for the words from “such an” to “of this Act” substitute
an offence under—
a
section 23(6) or 28(1) of this Act, or
b
any Order in Council made by virtue of section 20(1) of this Act, or
c
any regulations made by virtue of section 20(4) or 21(1) of this Act,
2
In section 49 (orders and regulations), as amended by section 11(3) of the M12Safety at Sea Act 1986—
a
in subsection (4A), at the beginning insert “Except where subsection (4B) of this section applies,”; and
b
after that subsection insert—
4B
Regulations falling within paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (4A) of this section, if contained in the same instrument as any regulations requiring to be approved in draft by virtue of that subsection, shall also require to be so approved.
Merchant Shipping Act 1983 (c. 13)
Omit sections 1 to 3 (measurement of small ships for length instead of tonnage).
Merchant Shipping Act 1984 (c. 5)
In section 2 (prohibition notices)—
- a
in subsection (1) (notices in respect of activities which are, or are about to be, carried on and involve a risk of serious personal injury or pollution), for “about”, in both places where it occurs, substitute “likely”; and
- b
for subsection (4) (notices to have immediate effect only if the risk isimminent) substitute—
4
A direction contained in a prohibition notice in pursuance of subsection (3)(d) shall take effect—
a
at the end of a period specified in the notice, or
b
if the direction is given in pursuance of subsection (3)(d)(ii) or the notice so declares, immediately.
F50SCHEDULE 6
Sch. 6 repealed (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(1), 316(2), Sch. 12 (with s. 312(1), Sch. 14 para. 1)
Sea Fisheries Act 1868 (c.45)
For section 26 substitute—
26 Registered fishing boats and foreign fishing boats within British waters to have official papers.
1
The master of every sea-fishing boat which is registered under Part II of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 shall (whether his boat is within British waters or not) have on board the certificate of registration issued in pursuance of that Part of that Act.
2
The master of every foreign sea-fishing boat within British waters shall have on board official papers evidencing its nationality.
3
If any person, without reasonable excuse (the proof of which lies on him), contravenes subsection (1) or (2) of this section, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the second level on the standard scale; and where a fine is imposed under this subsection on the master of a foreign sea-fishing boat the court may order the boat to be detained for a period not exceeding three months from the date of the conviction or until the fine is paid (whichever period is the shorter).
4
Section 8(4) of the Sea Fisheries Act 1968 (power of British sea-fishery officer to take fishing boat to nearest port and detain it there) shall apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (1) or (2) of this section as it applies in relation to such a contravention as is mentioned in that provision.
5
In this section—
“British waters” means waters within the seaward limits of the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man;
“foreign sea-fishing boat” means a sea-fishing boat which—
a
is not registered in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, and
b
is not excluded from registration by regulations under section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988, and
c
is not wholly owned by persons qualified to be owners of British ships for the purposes of Part I of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894;
“master” includes, in relation to any sea-fishing boat, a person for the time being in command or charge of the boat.
Merchant Shipping Act 1894 (c.60)
1
In section 459 (power to detain unsafe ships, and procedure for detention)—
a
in subsection (1), for the words from “the defective condition” to “improper loading” substitute “any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1A) of this section”;
b
after that subsection insert—
1A
The matters referred to in subsection (1) of this section are—
a
the condition, or the unsuitability for its purpose, of—
i
the ship or its machinery or equipment, or
ii
any part of the ship or its machinery or equipment;
b
undermanning;
c
overloading or unsafe or improper loading;
d
any other matter relevant to the safety of the ship;
and the reference in that subsection to proceeding to sea shall, in a case where the service for which the ship is intended consists of going on voyages or excursions that do not involve going to sea, be construed as a reference to going on such a voyage or excursion.
c
in subsection (5), for “British register being subsequently closed” substitute “subsequently ceasing to be a British ship”.
2
In section 462 (application to foreign ships of provisions as to detention), for the words from “by reason of” (where first occurring) to “the provisions” substitute “by reason of any of the matters mentioned in section 459(1A) of this Act, the provisions”.
3
In section 692 (enforcing detention of ship), at the end add—
5
Any reference in this section to proceeding to sea includes a reference to going on a voyage or excursion that does not involve going to sea, and references to sending or taking to sea shall be construed accordingly.
Merchant Shipping Act 1906 (c.48)
Omit section 51 (power of Commissioners of Customs and Excise to inquire into the title of a registered ship to be registered).
Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act 1920 (c.2)
In section 1 (amendment of s.659 of the 1894 Act)—
- a
for the words from “His Majesty” to “fix” substitute “the Secretary of State under section 659 of the M13Merchant Shipping Act 1894 to determine”; and
- b
for “fixing” and “fixed” substitute “determining” and “determined” respectively.
F55F55
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1965 c. 19 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F55. . .
Merchant Shipping Act 1965 (c.47)
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1965 c. 47 repealed (N.I.) (7.2.1994) by S.I. 1993/2668 (N.I. 11), art. 18(4), Sch.8; S.R. 1993/476, art.2.
[F56In section 1(4) (tonnage regulations), for the words from “section 83” to “the Exchequer” substitute “sections 83 and 676 of the principal Act as require the payment of fees into the Consolidated Fund”.]
F57F57
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1967 c. 84 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F57. . .
F58F58
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1968 c. 77 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F58. . .
Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Act 1970 (c.27)
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1970 c. 27 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merchant Shipping Act 1970 (c.36)
1
In section 33 (defence of drug taken for medical purposes), after “27” insert “(2)”.
2
In section 56 (formal investigation into shipping casualty)—
a
for subsection (1) substitute—
1
Where any accident has occurred, the Secretary of State may (whether or not an investigation into it has been carried out under section 33 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988) cause a formal investigation into the accident to be held—
a
if in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, by a wreck commissioner, and
b
if in Scotland, by the sheriff;
and in this section “accident” means any accident to which regulations under that section apply or any incident or situation to which any such regulations apply by virtue of subsection (5) of that section.
1A
A wreck commissioner or sheriff holding a formal investigation shall conduct it in accordance with rules under section 58(1) of this Act; and those rules shall require the assistance of one or more assessors and, if any question as to the cancellation or suspension of an officer’s certificate is likely, the assistance of not less than two assessors.
b
in subsection (4), for “casualty” substitute “accident”.
3
In section 58(1) (rules as to inquiries etc.), for “55” substitute “56”.
4
In section 67 (application of sections 62 to 66 to masters), for “66” substitute “64”.
5
In section 95 (fishing vessels)—
a
in subsection (1), for “sections 6 and 30(a) and (b)” substitute “section 6”; and
b
for subsection (6) substitute—
6
In this Act “fishing vessel” means a fishing vessel within the meaning of Part II of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988.
F60F60
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1976 c. 86 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
. . . F60
F61F61
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1978 c. 44 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F61. . .
F62F62
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1979 c. 2 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F62. . .
Merchant Shipping Act 1979 (c.39)
1
In section 20(3)(a) (prevention of pollution from ships etc.), for “55” substitute “56”.
2
In section 28(7)(b) (supplementary provisions about inspectors), for “sections 55(2) and” substitute “section”.
3
In section 47(2) (power to extend Act to certain countries, etc.) for “to 44” substitute “, 43”.
4
In paragraph 8 of Part VI of Schedule 6 (miscellaneous penalties on summary conviction)—
a
for “, 62(6) and 65(3)” substitute “and 62(6)”; and
b
for the words from “, the return” to “deceased seamen” substitute “and the return of seamen left overseas”.
Supreme Court Act 1981 (c.54)
In section 20(5)(b) (Admiralty jurisdiction of High Court), after “Fund” insert “, or on the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund 1984,”.
F63F63
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1983 c. 8 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F63. . .
Merchant Shipping Act 1983 (c.13)
F641. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merchant Shipping Act 1984 (c.5)
At the end of Schedule 1 (statutory provisions which are relevant for the purpose of serving notices in connection with safety and other matters), insert—
1988 c.12. | The Merchant Shipping Act 1988. | Section 35. |
F65F65
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1984 c. 26 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F65. . .
F66F66
Entry in Sch. 6 relating to 1986 c. 23 repealed (21.3.1994) by 1993 c. 22, s. 8(4), Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1993/3137, art. 3(1), Sch.1.
F66. . .
F51SCHEDULE 7
Sch. 7 repealed (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(1), 316(2), Sch. 12 (with s. 312(1), Sch. 14 para. 1)
F52SCHEDULE 8
Sch. 8 repealed (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(1), 316(2), Sch. 12 (with s. 312(1), Sch. 14 para. 1)
1
The amendments and repeals made by this Act do not—
a
(unless an Order in Council under section 56 of this Act, or under any other enactment, so provides) extend to any country outside the United Kingdom; or
b
affect any Order in Council providing for the extension of any enactments to any such country.
2
1
This paragraph shall have effect in relation to any relevant overseasterritory to which the provisions of sections 2 to 7 of this Act have not beenextended by an Order in Council under section 56.
2
Where—
a
by virtue of section 2(2) of the 1894 Act (obligation to register British ship) as in force in any such territory, any ship is (apart from this paragraph) a British ship that is not to be recognised as such, but
b
the ship is a British ship by virtue of section 2 of this Act,
the ship shall nevertheless be recognised as a British ship for the purposes of the Merchant Shipping Acts as in force in that territory.
3
Where—
a
by virtue of section 2(2) of the 1894 Act as in force in any such territory, any ship is a British ship that is not to be recognised as such, and
b
the ship is not a British ship by virtue of section 2 of this Act,
the ship shall, notwithstanding section 2(3) of that Act (as so in force), not be liable to detention under that provision.
4
Where—
a
any ship is not wholly owned by such persons as are mentioned in section 1 of the 1894 Act (qualification for owning British ships) as in force in any such territory, but
b
the ship is a British ship by virtue of section 2 of this Act,
the ship shall nevertheless be recognised as a British ship for the purposes of the Merchant Shipping Acts as in force in that territory, and the following provisions of the 1894 Act (as so in force), namely—
i
section 69 (penalty for unduly assuming British character), and
ii
section 71 (penalty for acquiring ownership if unqualified),
shall not apply in relation to the ship.
3
If the Secretary of State by order made by statutory instrument so provides, no registration of a fishing boat shall be effected—
a
under Part IV of the 1894 Act, or
b
under the M14Sea Fishing Boats (Scotland) Act 1886,
during such period not exceeding one month and ending with the commencement of Part II of this Act as is specified in the order.
4
Section 4(6) of this Act shall not have effect at any time before the commencement of Part II of this Act, and shall not affect the operation of section 13(3) of this Act in relation to fishing vessels which are registered under Part I of the 1894 Act immediately before the commencement of Part II of this Act.
5
In section 72(1) of the 1894 Act as amended by Schedule 1 to this Act (liabilities of unregistered ships), the reference to Part I of that Act shall, in relation to any time before the end of the period referred to in section 13(3)(b) of this Act, be construed as including a reference to Part IV of that Act.
Act extends to Northern Ireland except certain provisions see s. 58(5).