Explanatory note

These Regulations implement Commission Directive 2003/75/EC of 29th July 2003 amending Annex I to Council Directive 98/18/EC on safety rules and standards for passenger ships (O.J. L190, 30.7.2003, p.6). The amendments to Directive 98/18/EC relate to the provision of life-saving equipment on ro-ro passenger ships.

Directive 98/18/EC was implemented by the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ships on Domestic Voyages) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/2687) (“the 2000 Regulations”). Regulation 2 of these Regulations, by amending the definition of “the Directive” in the 2000 Regulations, ensures that the implementation of the Directive by the 2000 Regulations is of the Directive in its up to date version.

Regulation 3 of these Regulations makes a consequential amendment to an interpretation provision in the Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 1995 (S.I 1995/1210, as amended). Those Regulations as so amended exclude from their application ships to which the Directive as amended applies.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on the costs of business.