Explanatory note

These Regulations replace the Merchant Shipping (Smooth and Partially Smooth Waters) Regulations 1987. The smooth waters listed in the Schedule to those Regulations have been divided into three categories, A and B and C, and the partially smooth waters become Category D, and references in other existing Regulations to “smooth and partially smooth waters” become references to Category A, B, C and D waters.

The waters which are designated as “Category A, B, C or D waters” for the purposes of rules and regulations under the Merchant Shipping Acts are set out in Merchant Shipping Notice M1504. All inland and sheltered waters which can be used by passenger ships are now categorised. There are very minor changes to the existing smooth water limits.

Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from the Marine Library Department of Transport, Sunley House, 90/93 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LP or from any Department of Transport Marine Office.