(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations replace with some changes the Merchant Shipping (IBC Code) Regulations 1987 (as amended); the Merchant Shipping (BCH Code) Regulations 1987 (as amended) and the Merchant Shipping (Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) Regulations 1987 (as amended). The consolidation takes into account the 1992 amendments to the IBC Code, BCH Code and Annex II of MARPOL 1973/78 as set out in MEPC Resolutions, MEPC 55(33), which allow port state control inspection of operational requirements.
A number of the detailed technical requirements and specifications are now contained in a Merchant Shipping Notice.
The Regulations apply to ships carrying in bulk dangerous or noxious liquid substances. They apply to United Kingdom ships wherever they may be and to other ships when in United Kingdom waters. In addition the prohibition on discharges of noxious liquid substances or pollution hazard substances and tank washing applies to such other ships when beyond United Kingdom waters (if in waters which are sea), subject to certain limitations on bringing proceedings, or requirements for suspending proceedings, required by the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention 1982 (Cmnd. 8941).
Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from Eros Marketing Support Services Ltd, Unit B, Imber Court Trading Estate, Orchard Lane, East Molesley, Surrey KT8 0BN. The SOLAS Convention, the MARPOL Convention, their Protocols and amendments and the Codes and circulars referred to in the Regulations are obtainable from the International Maritime Organisation, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.