Explanatory note

These Rules further amend the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975. Under those Rules all fishing vessels were formerly subject to periodical inspections not less than 21 months and not more than 27 months from the date of the issue of a United Kingdom fishing vessel certificate. This requirement will continue to apply only in respect of vessels to which Rule 1(4)(a)(v) of the Rules apply (vessels whose keel was laid on or after 1st May 1975 pursuant to a construction agreement entered into on or after that date). Other vessels (to which Rule 1(4) (a)(i) to (iv) inclusive, (b) and (c) of the Rules apply) will not be required to be periodically inspected within that period until after their fishing vessel certificates have been in force for 48 months (or for such shorter period as may be specified in the certificate) and they have been satisfactorily surveyed and renewal certificates have been issued.