Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) Regulations 1997, in order to implement recent amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974 (SOLAS). These were adopted by the International Maritime Organization as amendments MSC 47/66 and MSC 57/67.
These amendments include:–
Additional requirements, for the purpose of ensuring watertightness, relating to openings in the shell plating below the freeboard deck for ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998. (Regulation 4)
An extension of the application of stability requirements from the previous threshold of vessels of 100 metres or over in length, to vessels of 80 metres in length or over. (Regulations 6, 7 & 8)
An additional requirement for ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998 to fit a watertight door between the main pump room and a pipe tunnel in tankers. (Regulation 8)
Provision to allow for the access of crew members to the bow of the vessel in severe weather conditions for ships built after 1st July 1998 and for the retrospective fitting of such arrangements to existing tankers not later than 1st July 2001. (Regulation 13 (part))
A compliance cost assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Spring Place, 105, Commercial Road, Southampton, Hants. SO15 5EG. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.
Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from EROS Marketing Support Services Ltd, Unit B, Imber Court Trading Estate, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0BN (Telephone number 0181 957 5028). The SOLAS Convention, its Protocol and amendments are available from the International Maritime Organization, 4, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.