Explanatory note

These Regulations revoke the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 1989 and the Merchant Shipping (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 1988.

The Regulations prescribe changes in some of the rates charged by the Department of Transport and Customs and Excise. Fees for marine surveys are reduced by 12%, whilst fishing vessel registration fees are raised overall by 24%, radio survey fees are increased by 10% and those for fishing vessel surveys increased by 11%; a change in the structure for charging travel and office hours is also prescribed for the last. The structure for charging tonnage measurement fees has been simplified. A set fee, in place of an hourly rate fee, is now charged for the application for exemption from requirements for manning, certification, crew agreements and medical stores. Other increases in fees are in line with inflation.