The Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 1989

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulation)

These Regulations replace the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 1981 as amended. They make a number of changes:–

(a) There is to be a common tarriff for home-trade and foreign-going sailing ships and steamers (though the distinction is preserved chiefly for the purpose of determining the meaning of “voyage”). The rates for foreign-going ships are reduced by 2%percnt;; those for home-trade ships are almost doubled per voyage but for a maximum or 7 rather and 14 liable voyages.

(b) There is a separate, higher, tariff, for Ro/Ro ferries.

(c) The concessionary rate for visiting cruise ships is ended.

(d) Home-trade ships are not to be required to pay dues on more than two voyages a month (instead of three).

(e) Minimum charges are introduced: £25 per voyage where the charge is per voyage, £50 for tugs and pleasure yachts which pay an annual rate, and £5 per month for yachts which pay by the month.

(f) The fishing vessel “dues year” is standardised with that of other vessels so that it ends on 31st March.

(g) Requirements are introduced for the serving of notices of levy where the payments are annual; these payments are to be made within 28 days of service of the notice (rather than at the beginning of the year). Fishing vessels are given the option of paying in two equal instalments.

(h) The definition of tonnage is amended to take account of the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships 1969 (Cmnd. 4332) which provides for “net” rather than “register” tonnage.

As a result of the repeal of section 85 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, dues will no longer be charged for deck cargo carried by foreign-going ships. The combined effect of all the changes is to reduce light dues revenue overall by just over 10%.