Verifications relating to vessels4
1
The Maritime and Coastgurad Agency shall ensure that the verifications set out in paragraph (2) below are carried out in relation to each vessel to which these Regulations apply:
a
where the vessel starts operation on a regular service after 16th February 2001, before the vessel starts operation, and
b
in any other case, before 1st December 2001.
2
The verifications mentioned in paragraph (1) above are:
a
a check whether the vessel is carrying valid certificates issued by the administration of the vessel’s flag State or by a recognised organisation acting on its behalf,
b
a check whether the vessel has been surveyed for the issue of certificates in accordance with the relevant procedures and guidelines annexed to the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonised System of Survey and Certification by the International Maritime Organisation by means of Resolution A.746(18) of 4th November 1993 or with procedures designed to achieve the same goal,
c
a check whether the vessel complies with the standards specified for classification by the rules of a recognised organisation, or rules accepted as equivalent by the administration of the vessel’s flag State for construction and maintenance of its hull, machinery and electrical and control installation,
d
a check whether the vessel is fitted with a voyage data recorder, complying with the performance standards referred to in article 4(1)(d) of the Directive or any exemptions granted under that article, for the purpose of providing information for the benefit of a possible casualty investigation, and
e
subject to paragraph (3), a check whether the vessel complies with specific regional stability requirements, if any, adopted by a Member State or EEA State in accordance with article 4(1)(e) of the Directive.
3
Paragraph 2(e) shall apply in relation to high speed passenger craft only where appropriate.