These Regulations amend the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck Officers and Engineer Officers) Regulations 1984. The Regulations give effect, in relation to Fishing Vessel Class I Officers, Fishing Vessel Class II Officers and Fishing Vessel Class III Officers, to Council Directive 92/51/EEC (OJNo. L209, 24.7.92, p.25) on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and training to supplement Directive 89/48/EC.

They provide for the recognition of equivalent foreign certificate issued by certain authorities abroad, and provide for the issue of certificates of equivalent competency for the holders of such certificates to enable the holders to serve as qualified officers on United Kingdom fishing vessels in the appropriate position. There is provision for aptitude tests or adaptation periods, but only to the extent that such foreign certifications are not equivalent to United Kingdom certificates. Certificates of equivalent competency are made certificates under section 43 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1970.

There is a saving by which certificates of equivalent competency are not required until 1st August 1997 by certain holders of certificates issued before that date by those countries where certificates were recognised before 1st August 1995.

A cost compliance assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Marine Information Centre, Marine Safety Agency, Department of Transport, Spring Place, 105b Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.

Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from the Marine Information Centre, Marine Safety Agency, Department of Transport, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG, and from any Marine Office of the Marine Safety Agency.