Explanatory note

These Regulations make requirements for life-saving appliances additional to those contained in the Fishing Vessels (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulations 1988, to put into effect requirements of Annex III, paragraphs 1-3 of European Council Directive 93/103/EC on the minimum safety and health requirements for work on board fishing vessels. They provide for proper stowage, maintenance and inspection of life-saving appliances on new vessels of 15 metres or more in length and on existing vessels of 18 metres or more; and require such vessels to be fitted with means of recovering persons from the water.

A compliance cost assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.