Explanatory note

This Order amends the Hovercraft (Application of Enactments) Order 1972, as amended, by replacing the reference to the Collision Regulations and Distress Signals Order 1977 in the list of instruments relating to vessels applied to hovercraft in Part B of Schedule 1 thereof by a reference to the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1983 (with modifications); by adding to that list references to the Mersey Channel (Collision Rules) Order 1978, as amended and the River Hull (Navigation) Rules Order 1957, as amended; and by including in the reference to sections 21 to 23 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Act 1949 (c. 43) in the list of enactments relating to vessels applied to hovercraft in Part A of Schedule 1 thereof a reference to section 21 of that Act, as amended by the Regulations of 1983. Sections 418 and 419 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 (c. 60) (which relate to collision regulations) are no longer applied to hovercraft.

The Regulations of 1983 are applied to United Kingdom hovercraft whether registered or not wherever they may be, and to other hovercraft while they are within the United Kingdom or the territorial waters thereof.