Explanatory note

These Regulations make insurance, or another form of financial security, compulsory for any ship in respect of which a trans-shipment licence issued under section 4A of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 is in force. These trans-shipment licences are issued to all ships involved in trans-shipment operations in respect of pelagic fish in United Kingdom waters, whether the ship is used to process fish or to store and refrigerate it.

The insurance or security must cover the liabilities specified in regulation 5. In addition, it must satisfy the requirements specified in Merchant Shipping Notice No. MSN 1711; and documentary evidence of compliance with the Regulations, in the form specified in that Notice, must be carried on board the ship.

A compliance cost assessment has been prepared, and copies can be obtained from Shipping Policy Directorate, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Zone 4-12, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR, (Tel. 0171 271 3893). A copy has been placed in the Library of each House of Parliament.

Copies of Merchant Shipping Notice No. MSN 1711 may be obtained from Eros Marketing Support Services, Unit B, Imber Court Trading Estate, Orchard Lane, East Molesey KT8 0BN.