Explanatory note

These Regulations revoke and remake with amendments the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/562) (“the 1997 Regulations”).

Regulations 2 and 4 to 6 remake the 1997 Regulations with some clarifications and modifications so that the provisions can be applied in a clear and consistent way.

Regulation 3 and Schedule 1 provide for vessels that are exempt from light dues under these Regulations. The main changes included in the list of exemptions in Schedule 1 are as follows.

• The exemption for ships of less than 20 tons, other than ships liable to pay light dues by reference to their load line length has been amended so that it will only apply to ships other than tugs or fishing vessels with a load line length of 24 metres or less.

• The exemption for sailing ships used exclusively for sail training purposes, operating as travelling museums or vessels of historical interest has been amended so that it will apply to sailing ships used for sail training purposes by a registered charity.

• There is a new exemption for vessels registered on the National Register of Historic Vessels.

• The exemption for ships putting in solely for bunkers, stores, crew changes, embarkation or disembarkation of pilots, a medical emergency, or for provisions for their own use on board has been amended so that the exemption will only apply if the vessel is not otherwise engaged in any revenue earning or commercial activity or service and if the general lighthouse authorities are satisfied that the vessel is not ordinarily kept at the port to which the arrival relates.

• The exemption for any ships that are laid up has been amended so that it cross-refers to the correct regulation.

Regulation 7 and Schedule 2 provide a list of instruments to be revoked in these Regulations.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.