Explanatory note

This Order brings into force on 1st April 1989 Part I of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 together with the associated Schedule 1 (which amends Part I of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894), and consequential amendments and repeals in Schedules 5, 6, 7 and 8.

These provisions provide for a major revision of the system of registration of British merchant ships, and repeal the requirement under section 85 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 to levy dues on space occupied by deck cargo. The power to exempt from marking requirements (contained in section 7(2) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894) is saved in relation to classes of ships in respect of which it has previously been exercised.