The Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

1.  These Regulations replace section 89 and Schedule 3 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules 1968 and amendments and other instruments made for the purpose of defining and elaborating Schedule 3, without substantive change.

2.  The Regulations apply the provisions of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 to all United Kingdom ships which go to sea, with certain exceptions. They also apply to all sea-going foreign ships within United Kingdom waters.

3.  A number of the detailed technical requirements and specifications are now contained in a Merchant Shipping Notice, MSN 1701(M).

4.  The Regulations enable the Secretary of State to authorise persons or organisations to act as Assigning Authorities for the purpose of the Regulations. Currently so authorised are Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, the British Committee of Bureau Veritas, the British Committee of Det Norske Veritas, the British Committee of Germanischer Lloyd, the British Committee of Registro Italiano Navale and the British Technical Committee of the American Bureau of Shipping.

5.  Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from Eros Marketing Support Services Ltd, Delta House, Imber Court Business Park, Orchard Lane, East Moseley, Surrey. International Maritime Organisation Resolutions are obtainable from IMO, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.