6.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the Maritime and Coastguard Agency shall in relation to each vessel carry out an initial specific survey, in accordance with Annexes I and III of the Directive, to satisfy themselves that the vessel fulfils the necessary requirements for safe operation of a regular service.
(2) The survey shall be carried out:
(a)where the vessel starts operation on a regular service after 16th February 2001:
(i)before the vessel starts operation, and
(ii)no more than one month after receipt by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the evidence necessary to complete verification in relation to the vessel and the person operating the vessel in accordance with regulations 4 and 5 above, and
(b)in any other case, before 1st December 2001.
(3) The Maritime and Coastguard Agency may request another Member State or EEA State to or from whose ports a vessel will be engaged on a regular service to carry out an initial specific survey in relation to the vessel.
(4) The Maritime and Coastguard Agency may carry out an initial specific survey in relation to a vessel at the request of another Member State or EEA State to or from whose ports a vessel is engaged on a regular service.