The Merchant Shipping (Musters, Training and Decision Support Systems) Regulations 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations revoke and replace, with amendments, the Merchant Shipping (Musters and Training) Regulations 1986 and the Merchant Shipping (Musters and Training) (Amendment) Regulations 1993. They give effect to the provisions concerning decision support systems, musters, drills and related training in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS), Chapter III and implement, in part, Council Directive 98/35/EC (O.J. L172, 17.6.98, p. 1) amending Directive 94/58/EC (O.J. L319, 12.12.94, p. 28) on the minimum level of training of seafarers.

In addition to drafting changes, the principal change of substance is the introduction of the requirements concerning decision support systems for ships of Class I, II, II(A) (regulation 4). This provision implements regulation 19 of Chapter III adopted on 29 November 1995 by the Contracting Governments to SOLAS.

The provisions of these Regulations also give effect to article 5g1(5) of Directive 94/58/EC, as amended by Council Directive 98/35/EC.

The Regulations impose criminal penalties on both the master and the owner in respect of a breach of their requirements (regulation 15).

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared and copies may be obtained from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Bay 3/12 Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG (telephone: [phone]). A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.

Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from Eros Marketing Support Services, Unit B, Imber Court Trading Estate, Orchard Lane, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0BN. Copies of SOLAS are obtainable from the International Maritime Organisation, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.