Explanatory note

The Order brings into force on 30th April most of section 14 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1979, which gives the force of law in the United Kingdom to the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea (set out in Schedule 3 to the Act). The Convention comes into force internationally on 28th April 1987.

The Order does not bring into force section 14(3) of the 1979 Act (nor consequently section 14(6) as it applies to section 14(3)), because that provision implements the Protocol to the Convention (which substitutes Special Drawing Rights for gold francs as the unit of account) and this Protocol is not yet in force.

The Order also brings into force section 15(2) so far as it is not already in force, and Schedule 3, Parts, I and II.

The Order also contains a transitional provision preserving the effect of the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea (Interim Provisions) Order 1980 for contracts for international carriage made before 30th April 1987.