# The Merchant Shipping (International Safety Management (ISM) Code) Regulations 2026, Regulation 4: Ambulatory reference


(1) In these Regulations, any reference to Chapter II-2 or Chapter X of the SOLAS Convention, the STCW Convention, the ISM Code or the RO Code is to be construed as—
(a) a reference to that Chapter, the STCW Convention, the ISM Code or the RO Code, as modified from time to time; and
(b) if that Chapter, the STCW Convention, the ISM Code or the RO Code is replaced, a reference to the replacement.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)—
(a) Chapter II-2 or Chapter X of the SOLAS Convention, the ISM Code and Parts 1 or 2 of the RO Code are modified or replaced if the modification or replacement takes effect in accordance with Article VIII of the SOLAS Convention;
(b) Part 3 of the RO Code is modified or replaced if the modification or replacement is adopted by a Resolution of the Maritime Safety Committee of the IMO in accordance with the rules of procedure which apply to that Committee;
(c) the STCW Convention is modified or replaced if the modification or replacement takes effect in accordance with Article XII of the STCW Convention.
(3) A modification or replacement of a Chapter of the SOLAS Convention or of the ISM Code or of Part 1 or 2 of the RO Code has effect at the time such modification or replacement comes into force in accordance with Article VIII of the SOLAS Convention.
(4) A modification or replacement of Part 3 of the RO Code has effect at the time such modification or replacement comes into force in accordance with the Resolution under which it is adopted.
(5) A modification or replacement of the STCW Convention has effect at the time such modification or replacement comes into force in accordance with Article XII of the STCW Convention.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/194/regulation/4 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/merchant-shipping-international-safety-management-ism-code-regulations-2026/regulation-4
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.