The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) Regulations 1997

In any case where a ship does not comply with the requirements of these Regulations, the ship shall be liable to be detained and section 284 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (which relates to the detention of a ship) shall have effect in relation to the ship, subject to the modification that as if for the words “this Act” wherever they appear, there were substituted “the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) Regulations 1997”.

Signed

Signed by the authority of the Secretary of State for Transport

Glenda Jackson — Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, — Department of Transport — 7th June 1997

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

1These Regulations replace the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Regulations 1981 and 1984, and amendments. They also implement certain recent amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974 (SOLAS) and implement in part EC Directive 94/57/EC.

2The Regulations now contain requirements for ships of all dates of construction since 1965. A number of details of technical requirements previously contained in Regulations are now contained in a Merchant Shipping Notice.

3The principal changes from the previous Regulations are—aa number of requirements on United Kingdom ships which went beyond existing SOLAS requirements are omitted.bthe new SOLAS amendments implemented are—iamendments made by Resolution MSC 13(57) including, among other matters, revised requirements as to damage control information, and double bottoms in ships other than tankers;iiamendments made by Resolution MSC 27(61) including requirements for access to the cargo tank area of tankers and revised requirements for communications, electrical arrangements and ventilation of spaces;iiiamendments made by Resolution 1 of the Conference on Global Maritime Distress and Safety System;ivamendments made by Resolution MSC 31(63) for emergency towing arrangements in oil tankers, chemical tankers and gas carriers of more than 20,000 dwt, and requirements for oil fuel installations; andcUnited Kingdom ships in complying with their statutory requirements as to construction and maintenance of hull, machinery, electrical installations and control installations now also have to comply with certain rules of Classifications Societies or the Institution of Electrical Engineers (referred to in the Regulations as “approved standards”) (regulation 5).

4The Regulations enable the Secretary of State to authorise persons to act as Certifying Authorities for the purpose of the Regulations. Currently so authorised are Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, the British Committee of Bureau Veritas, the British Committee of Det Norske Veritas, the British Committee of Germanischer Lloyd, the British Committee of Registro Italiano Navale and the British Technical Committee of the American Bureau of Shipping.

5A compliance cost assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Marine Safety Agency, Department of Transport, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.

6Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from Eros Marketing Support Services Ltd, Unit B, Imber Court Trading Estate, Orchard Lane, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0BN (Telephone number: 0181 957 5028). The SOLAS Convention, its Protocol and amendments and the Codes and Guidelines referred to in the Regulations are obtainable from the International Maritime Organisation, 4, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR. British or International Standards are obtainable from the British Standards Institution, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL and the Institution of Electrical Engineers Regulations from the Institution at Savoy Place, London WC2 0BL.

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 1995 c. 21; sections 85 and 86 were amended by the Merchant Shipping and Maritime Securities Act 1997 (c. 8), section 8.

[^f00009]: 1990/2605, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

[^f00011]: S.I.1968/1053, relevant amendment is S.I.1990/2118.

[^f00013]: Cmnd. 5748; amended by the Protocol of 1978 (Cmnd. 7374) and by amendments adopted by IMO in 1983, 1985, 1989, 1992 and 1994.

[^f00014]: S.I.1982/841, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

[^f00017]: Rule 30(5) was substituted by S.I.1990/2128.

[^f00018]: S.I.1980/544, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

[^f00019]: S.I.1984/1218; relevant amendment is S.I.1993/1193.

[^f00020]: S.I.1981/572, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

PART VII — MACHINERY INSTALLATION

General

Machinery

Means of manoeuvring and going astern

Boilers and other pressure vessels

Boiler feed systems

Steam pipe systems

Air pressure systems

Cooling water systems

Oil and gaseous fuel installations

Lubricating and other oil systems

Remote control of propulsion machinery from the navigation bridge

Steering gear

Ventilating systems in machinery spaces Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

Protection against noise Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

Communication between navigating bridge and machinery space

Engineers’ alarm Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

Spare gear

Periodically unattended machinery spaces Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st May 1981

Closing of openings Requirements for tankers constructed on or after 25th May 1980 and to other ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984.

PART VII — ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

General

Main source of electrical power and main switchboard

Lighting systems Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

Emergency and transitional sources of electrical power and emergency switchboards

Location and construction of cables Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

General precautions against shock, fire and other hazards Requirements for ships constructed on or after 26th May 1965

Electrical equipment in hazardous areas and spaces Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

Editorial notes

[^key-2da4641a9c6a23df69a9a36edc804b0a]: Reg. 14 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-59e1ac1a2b2d5ce81ed43f729ee6e4f6]: Reg. 15 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-ce1e4cdc3ad7eaed8fb7852e882c5ead]: Reg. 16 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-ddbc9731789f173d31457137e368a729]: Reg. 22 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-82cf209030432d3a5c38dac05f72c6db]: Reg. 27 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-8051195d467875bc163eece127994c23]: Reg. 28 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-3508ee65af732eff19c36c3a2f13e850]: Reg. 47 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-093298c06e75b3e3e8f0c742242f9546]: Reg. 49 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-626b7852a1863bf52abea04baa112b8a]: Reg. 7 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-d616126b917c1974ca0e56c893378d70]: Reg. 2 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-3cf3fe5bb6e2028e1967268170a7a20d]: Reg. 57 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-5abc1fca70192118e7f5111c42f7eb52]: Reg. 13 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-91f3ff376f86836fe132121d2ca43853]: Reg. 18 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-a7ccda1efb54c8caa17118ac5d86c612]: Reg. 1 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-2b153252d7460bd8ff7023f30b367b07]: Reg. 3 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-3b0a4acf8afdb104ea9f5167ba6b992b]: Reg. 5 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-768e0aa51f2d923cc27fc0ad94de3a44]: Reg. 6 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-f22cd5a13257204fc119d481cc05eebb]: Reg. 8 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-5527924dd53fd8b0429350e72c0ffe24]: Reg. 9 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-f5ef2591c55637c0641868086793e84b]: Reg. 10 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-c8d72ed8960c848a94026efbb95de9f9]: Reg. 11 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-a32e86d50b117cb2ea1bc4c56930889b]: Reg. 12 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-8f3ee66312ac2c1265147aa261e780fe]: Reg. 17 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-6b321c97ae78eb222f3767cc7a57866d]: Reg. 19 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-1de7ab725ed731b50650d1d9f503ee97]: Reg. 20 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-258ac4e19b1943135e1faa6114b76db2]: Reg. 21 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-caf01944e9bfff3822f2d3778bb81f8b]: Reg. 23 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-0b33bc9199df567a1ea2ad0b24b6bce8]: Reg. 24 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-1bf7ef828eca4196816ea0139fafd0c3]: Reg. 25 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-f23dcbe038b6bb569422c0d89eee424e]: Reg. 26 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-50b47bc327be045b51371da424bde1a0]: Reg. 29 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-d1d545378807c70304a9cd80e958770a]: Reg. 30 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-d793ee982fee7b48d46c1a69eab6b6a0]: Reg. 31 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-1a854ad46eff430025b1ca94d2fb7339]: Reg. 32 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-1033396c87cd13b80d8fdf163b9b21f9]: Reg. 33 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-af48da03a2018c0792139ff2441f0ed2]: Reg. 34 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-0f72587c1e5ab1dfc314c5518e6bbe31]: Reg. 35 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-2cc7ad7f1e318914d1a81a5c817f23c4]: Reg. 36 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-b38e0071072f380d35403bba7c099e3f]: Reg. 37 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-862b55497539ded4f15416d3c370f6ec]: Reg. 38 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-99c1e799016fa624dc4af7cb443b8aed]: Reg. 39 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-75b6d752270212713755fb0020506c5d]: Reg. 40 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-e3fc71b863d3214d633ca947977ef507]: Reg. 41 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-a11d03551630191e0aa30568229c800a]: Reg. 42 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-1f4adfd1de035ca0ba4a2184cc79a30a]: Reg. 43 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-086856e2a631e1645e6ec27b139121c8]: Reg. 44 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-b81c2083edc016d70f6699724c78a02f]: Reg. 45 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-5a420a5b5fa913c0635f3595c80bdc09]: Reg. 53 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-15d33948fbcfe8c9ce3e74255eb43a16]: Reg. 52 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-763cb5831e9cf09f9b7a68dca44ddf4c]: Reg. 54 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-3d3b56bc91cbae412f9f6aedf3346b7e]: Reg. 55 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-fcfbf0af459f5f209533428162a29b7f]: Reg. 56 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-5326560d312b9ef86962c43122974d73]: Reg. 59 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-524a609ebf345ff4422e3e7ce72fd47d]: Reg. 46 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-8fc3de53b0c54cd13ef0e55a60be9bde]: Reg. 48 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-c5dfc123c7073d60d6706fc1f47591a9]: Reg. 50 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-55479b6b08a9e7757f1dee5ba48b1aa4]: Reg. 51 in force at 11.7.1997, see reg. 1(1)

[^key-3028f349f0cdb113ce33d507443885d5]: Reg. 12A inserted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 4

[^key-442b92510f47fe84b61569d96cbc1621]: Word in Pt. 3 heading substituted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 5(1)

[^key-aa65d9d5fdb0fcdf21a863e3754af6ae]: Words in reg. 14 inserted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 5(2)(a)

[^key-a5a63610d1f300b1f3bfe75ba41c0342]: Word in reg. 14(g) inserted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 5(2)(b)

[^key-a673ddc706f0884593cb9bb38016a973]: Word in reg. 14(h) omitted (5.4.1999) by virtue of The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 5(2)(c)

[^key-e7289b2d664b00236cc018f2a4d60371]: Reg. 14(i) omitted (5.4.1999) by virtue of The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 5(2)(d)

[^key-2f08c9ec14455828883f8010c6739f93]: Word in reg. 15(2) substituted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 6

[^key-cd1405a7416d4d4b6caa43d806d070b8]: Word in reg. 16(3) substituted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 7

[^key-ad986014b150ae853d8b823c9fb7c0c9]: Reg. 22 heading substituted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 8(a)

[^key-b689a8bd567feb25fe9042735933a6f5]: Reg. 22(13) added (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 8(c)

[^key-018b074ae809542afd3ac0a423707f89]: Reg. 22(1) substituted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 8(b)

[^key-81eb903f43fd6aab03daa79fea309ad5]: Reg. 27(6)-(8) added (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 9

[^key-c077a936332651a323f366943fe5488d]: Reg. 28(1) renumbered as reg. 28(1)(a) (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 10(a)

[^key-ad7cc605404b536917e094499e963ade]: Reg. 28(1)(b) added (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 10(b)

[^key-9f9ffac7500774b1f7bcc57d551fd32c]: Reg. 47(8)(9) added (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 11

[^key-f66bc8d92624cabbf96f900a892addbf]: Reg. 49(3) added (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 12

[^key-19259c89a123a85b94b1444adc609ed4]: Regs. 54A-54C inserted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 13

[^key-647dd9e821de50078c6b73e1201fee8d]: Reg. 58 substituted (5.4.1999) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/643), regs. 1, 14

[^key-016f148b83ada98c34e054103a11278b]: Words in reg. 7(3) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Merchant Shipping (Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/2151), regs. 1, 3(2)

[^key-72e3b5844ac928f584a9950179093883]: Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (5.12.2005) by The Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2114), art. 2(15), reg. 1, Sch. 15

[^key-78a8fbe4755d2a3f220783be02730c7a]: Words in reg. 2(1) omitted (20.12.2018) by virtue of The Merchant Shipping (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1221), regs. 2(a), 3(1)(2)(a)

[^key-5d2b0268e3d498500217a31fbdb1f213]: Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (20.12.2018) by The Merchant Shipping (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1221), regs. 2(a), 3(1)(2)(a)

[^key-c3ff65b9f874957cf2415ec14bdff7be]: Words in reg. 2(2)(ii) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Merchant Shipping (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1221), reg. 2(b), Sch. para. 3(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-bc7e4434852f674bf29338abb9269138]: Words in reg. 57(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Merchant Shipping (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1221), reg. 2(b), Sch. para. 3(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-84f289da94691e455eafebf660d77b4a]: Words in reg. 7(3) substituted (20.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1218), regs. 1(1), 3(2)

[^key-2b8dfb5229c97218cc31d9c5859d3746]: Reg. 4 substituted (29.3.2023) by The Merchant Shipping (Cargo and Passenger Ship Construction and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/246), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 2

Openings in the shell plating below the freeboard deck Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998

12A

• (1) The number of sidescuttles, scuppers, sanitary discharges and other openings in the shell plating below the freeboard deck shall be the minimum which is compatible with the design and proper working of the ship.

• (2) The arrangement and efficiency of the means for closing every such opening below the freeboard deck shall be consistent with its intended purpose and shall be such as will ensure watertightness.

• (3) The design and arrangements of openings in the shell plating below the freeboard deck shall be in accordance with the specifications set out in Schedule 14 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1671 (M) (Amended).

Location and separation of spaces

Safe access to tanker bows

54A

Every tanker constructed on or after 1st July 1998 shall be provided with the means to enable the crew to gain safe access to the bows even in severe weather conditions. For tankers constructed before 1st July 1998, such means of access shall be provided at the first scheduled dry-docking after 1st July 1998, but not later than 1st July 2001. The means of access shall be in accordance with Schedule 15 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1671(M) (Amended).

Corrosion prevention of seawater ballast tanks Requirements for oil tankers and bulk carriers constructed on or after 1st July 1998

54B

All dedicated seawater ballast tanks shall have an efficient corrosion prevention system, such as hard protective coatings or equivalent. The scheme for the selection, application and maintenance of the system shall be Schedule 16 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1671 (M) (Amended).

Combustible gas indicators

54C

All tankers shall be equipped with at least one portable instrument for measuring flammable vapour concentrations, together with a sufficient set of spares. Suitable means shall be provided for the calibration of such instruments.

Materials used in construction Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

Gas welding, flame cutting and domestic gaseous fuel installations Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984