3.—(1) (a) Subject to subparagraph (b), these Regulations apply to—
(i)all ships carrying in bulk noxious liquid substances or unassessed liquid substances;
(ii)all chemical tankers carrying dangerous substances in bulk; and
(iii)all oil tankers carrying pollution hazard substances in bulk.
(b)These Regulations apply to ships which are—
(i)United Kingdom ships, wherever they may be;
(ii)other ships—
(aa)while they are within United Kingdom waters; or
(bb)in relation to regulation 5 so far as it relates to the discharge or washing of tanks which have carried noxious liquid substances or pollution hazard substances, and subject to regulations 15 and 16, while they are in controlled waters or any other waters which are sea.
(2) In the case of a ship registered in a State which is not a Party to the SOLAS or to the MARPOL Conventions, these Regulations (except for regulations 5, 14, 16 and 17) shall not apply by reason of being in United Kingdom waters if it would not have been there but for stress of weather or any circumstances which could not have been prevented by the owner, the master or the charterer (if any).