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Explanatory note

Original text. Later amendments are not shown.

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Deck Officers) Regulations 1985 and the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Marine Engineer Officers and Licensing of Marine Engine Operators) Regulations 1986. The Regulations give effect, in relation to Deck Officers Class I (Master Mariner) and Marine Engineering Officers Class I, to Council Directive 89/48/EEC (O.J. No. L19, 24.1.89, p.16) on a general system of the recognition of higher education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration; and, in relation to the other certificates specified in the Regulations, to Council Directive 92/51/EEC (O.J. No. L209, 24.7.92, p.25) on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and training to supplement Directive 89/48/EC.

They provide for the recognition of equivalent foreign certificates issued by certain authorities abroad, and for the issue of certificates of equivalent competency for the holders of such certificates to enable the holders to serve as qualified officers on United Kingdom ships in the appropriate position. There is provision for aptitude tests or adaptation periods, but only to the extent that such foreign certificates are not equivalent to United Kingdom certificates.

There is a saving by which certificates of equivalent competency are not required until 1st August 1997 by certain holders of certificates issued before that date by those countries whose certificates were recognised before 1st August 1995.

A cost compliance assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Marine Information Centre, Marine Safety Agency, Department of Transport, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.

Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from The Marine Information Centre, Marine Safety Agency, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG, and from any Marine Office of the Marine Safety Agency.