Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Deck Officers) Regulations 1985 by permitting holders of certificates as Skipper (Full) to serve as qualified officers on standby and survey vessels, whether or not the vessels have been converted from fishing vessels; by permitting holders of certificates as Second Hand (Full) to serve as the second or third qualified officers on such vessels where 2 or 3 qualified officers are required; and by permitting holders of certificates as Second Hand (Special) to serve as a third qualified officer on such vessels.

They also amend the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Marine Engineer Officers and Licensing of Marine Engine Operators) Regulations 1986 by permitting holders of certificates as Fishing Vessels Engineer Officer class 1 or 2 to serve as Chief and Second Engineer respectively on stand-by and survey vessels of specified engine power and in specified areas, whether or not such vessels have been converted from fishing vessels.