Explanatory note

These Regulations make arrangements for the operation of the Merchant Navy Reserve which the Secretary of State is empowered to establish under section 28 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988. They set out terms by which the Merchant Navy Reserve can be called-out for service and how members of the Reserve will be notified of a call-out. The Regulations also provide for the reporting of members of the Reserve for service, and define the commencement and ending of that service. Requirements are made of Reservists to report for service when they are personally notified of a call-out and to serve without absence, unless leave has been granted, on any vessel, or at any place of duty, to which they are assigned. Contravention of these requirements constitutes an offence.