The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019

Statutory Instruments

2019 No. 42

Merchant Shipping

Marine Pollution

The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019

Made

28th January 2019

Laid before Parliament

1st February 2019

Coming into force

1st March 2019

The Secretary of State makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by article 3 of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Order 1983 M1 , article 2 of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution) (Law of the Sea Convention) Order 1996 M2 and sections 85(1), (1A), (1B), (3), (5) to (7), 86(1), 302(1) and 306A of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 M3 .

The Secretary of State has consulted such persons in the United Kingdom as the Secretary of State considers will be affected by the exercise of powers in this instrument in accordance with section 86(4) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

These Regulations are made with the consent of the Treasury in so far as is required under section 302(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Marginal Citations

M1 S.I. 1983/1106. Following the consolidation of section 20(1), (3) and (4) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1979 (c. 39), S.I. 1983/1106 has effect as if made under section 128(1), (3) and (4) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21). The effect of the Order is extended by section 128(5) of that Act so as to authorise the making of regulations for the purpose of giving effect to agreements which modify the agreements described in section 128(1). Article 3 is amended by S.I. 1985/2002, S.I. 1991/2885 and S.I. 1993/1580.

M2 S.I. 1996/282. Article 2 is amended by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), Schedule 4, Part 1, paragraph 3.

M3 1995 c. 21. Sections 85 and 86 are amended by the Merchant Shipping and Maritime Security Act 1997 (c. 28), sections 8 and 29(2) and Schedule 7, Part 1. Section 85 is amended by the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 (c. 8), section 2(3). Section 306A was inserted by the Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), section 106. There are other amendments but none is relevant.

PART 1 U.K. General

Citation, commencement, amendments and revocations U.K.

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 and come into force on 1st March 2019.

(2) The amendments listed in Part 1 of the Schedule have effect.

(3) The Regulations listed in the first column of the Table in Part 2 of the Schedule are revoked to the extent specified in the third column of that Table.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Transitional provision U.K.

2.  Except in circumstances determined by the Secretary of State, an IOPP or UKOPP certificate issued or endorsed by an appropriate Certifying Authority M4 under Part 2 of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996 M5 which is valid immediately before the day on which these Regulations come into force—

(a) has effect on and after that date as if it were issued or endorsed under these Regulations; and

(b) subject to the provisions of these Regulations, continues to be valid until the date of expiry of that certificate.

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 2 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M4 The terms “Certifying Authority”, “IOPP certificate” and “UKOPP certificate” are defined in regulation 3.

M5 S.I. 1996/2154, amended by S.I. 1997/1910, S.I. 2000/483, S.I. 2004/303, S.I. 2004/2110, S.I. 2005/1916, S.I. 2009/1210, S.I. 2014/3306, S.I. 2015/664 and S.I. 2016/1025. The relevant provisions in these instruments are revoked by these Regulations.

Interpretation U.K.

3.—(1) In these Regulations—

“1995 Act” means the Merchant Shipping Act 1995;

“additional survey” means a survey as prescribed in regulation 6.1.5 of Annex I;

“Arctic waters” has the meaning given in regulation 46.2 of Annex I;

“Annex I” means Annex I to the Convention M6 ;

“annual survey” means a survey as prescribed in regulation 6.1.4 of Annex I;

“Certifying Authority” means the Secretary of State or any person authorised by the Secretary of State in accordance with regulation 9;

“controlled waters” means the areas of sea specified by the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution) (Limits) Regulations 2014 M7 as waters within which the jurisdiction and rights of the United Kingdom are exercisable in accordance with Part XII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea M8 for the protection and preservation of the marine environment;

“the Convention” means the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships M9 ;

“Convention Country” means a country which is a Party to the Convention;

“flag State”, in relation to a ship, means the state whose flag a ship is entitled to fly;

“GT” means gross registered tonnage and, in the case of a ship which has alternative gross registered tonnages, the larger of those tonnages is to be taken to be the gross registered tonnage;

“harbour master” incudes a dock master, pier master and any person specifically appointed by a harbour authority (within the meaning of section 151(1) of the 1995 Act) for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of these Regulations or of Chapter 2 of Part 6 of that Act;

“IMO” means the International Maritime Organization M10 ;

“intermediate survey” means a survey as prescribed in regulation 6.1.3 of Annex I;

“IOPP Certificate” means an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate issued in accordance with regulation 7 of Annex I;

“nautical mile” means an international nautical mile of 1,852 metres;

“offshore installation” means fixed or floating platforms including drilling rigs, floating production, storage and offloading facilities used for the offshore production and storage of oil, and floating storage units used for the offshore storage of produced oil;

“Polar Code” means the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, consisting of an introduction, parts I-A and II-A and parts I-B and II-B as adopted by IMO Resolutions MSC.385(94) and MEPC.264(68) M11 ;

“renewal survey” means a survey as prescribed in regulation 6.1.2 of Annex I;

“RO Code” means the Code for Recognised Organizations adopted by IMO Resolution MEPC.237(65) and incorporate by way of Resolution MEPC.238(65) M12 ;

“sea” includes any estuary or arm of the sea;

“surveyor of ships” means a surveyor appointed by a Certifying Authority, and “survey” means a survey carried out by a surveyor;

“UKOPP Certificate” means a United Kingdom Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate issued by a Certifying Authority in accordance with these Regulations; and

“United Kingdom ship” means a ship which—

(a)

is registered in the United Kingdom; or

(b)

is not registered under the law of any country but is wholly owned by persons each of whom is—

(i)

a British citizen, a British overseas territories citizen or a British Overseas citizen; or

(ii)

a body corporate which is established under the law of a part of the United Kingdom and has its principal place of business in the United Kingdom.

(2) In these Regulations—

(a) the following terms have the meaning given in regulation 1 of Annex I—

(i) anniversary date;

(ii) Antarctic area;

(iii) crude oil;

(iv) deadweight;

(v) oil;

(vi) oil tanker;

(vii) oily mixture;

(viii) ppm;

(ix) special area; and

(x) tank; and

(b) the words “Administration”, “discharge” and “ship” have the meanings given in article 2 of the Convention.

(3) Any reference to a ship or oil tanker delivered on, before, or after a specified date takes the meaning which corresponds to a ship or oil tanker delivered on, before, or after that specified date in regulation 1.28 of Annex I.

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 3 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M6 Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil. See footnote (f) for further information.

M7 S.I. 2014/3306. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

M8 This Convention (the “UNCLOS” Convention) was published in Cmnd. 8941, and subsequently in Cmnd. 4524. Hard copies of the Command Papers are available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London, SW1A 0PW. A copy of the Convention may be obtained from the United Nations.

M9 This Convention was published in Cmnd. 5748, and amended by the Protocol of 1978 (Cmnd. 7347) and 1997 (Cmnd. 4427). Hard copies of the Command Papers are available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London, SW1A 0PW. IMO Resolution MEPC.21(22) introduced Protocol I to the Convention, which was amended by MEPC.68(38). Annex I was revised and replaced by IMO Resolution MEPC.117(52). It is further amended and supplemented by IMO Resolutions MEPC.139(53), 141(54), 154(55), 164(56), 186(59), 187(59), 189(60), 216(63), 237(65), 238(65), 246(66), 248(66), 256(67), 265(68), 266(68) and 276(70). The MEPC Resolutions may be obtained from the IMO Library at www.imo.org.en/MediaCentre/Pages/Default.aspx or in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The 2017 Consolidated Version of the Convention, which contains all amendments up to the date of publication of this instrument, may be obtained from IMO Publishing: ISBN: 978-92-801-16571.

M10 The IMO is a special agency of the United Nations responsible for shipping safety and security, and the prevention of pollution.

M11 The Polar Code took effect on 1st January 2017 upon entry into force of new Chapter XIV of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (“SOLAS”). In so far as it is relevant to Annex I, it is implemented by regulation 47 of Annex I, inserted (along with other relevant amendments) by IMO Resolution MEPC.265(68). The Polar Code (ISBN: 978-92-801-16281) and SOLAS (ISBN: 978-92-801-15949) are available from IMO Publishing. Copies of the Resolutions are available from the IMO Library at www.imo.org.en/MediaCentre/Pages/Default.aspx or in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

M12 Resolutions MEPC.237(65) and MEPC.238(65) were adopted on 17th May 2013. The Code is contained in MSC.349(92), adopted on 21st June 2013. The Resolutions and the RO Code are available from the IMO Library at www.imo.org.en/MediaCentre/Pages/Default.aspx or in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Ambulatory reference U.K.

4.—(1) Any reference in these Regulations to a specific provision in the Convention, an Annex of that Convention, the Polar Code or the RO Code is to be construed as—

(a) a reference to the provision in that instrument as modified from time to time; and

(b) if the instrument is replaced by another instrument, as a reference to the provision in that other instrument.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the Convention is modified if omissions, additions or other alterations to the text take effect in accordance with article 16 of the Convention.

(3) A modification to, or replacement of—

(a) the Convention by virtue of paragraph (2); or

(b) the Polar Code by virtue of paragraph (4)(a),

has effect at the time that such modification or replacement comes into force in accordance with Article 16(8) of the Convention.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1) the Polar Code is modified if—

(a) amendments to the Introduction and Chapter 2 of Part II-A of that Code are adopted, brought into force and take effect in accordance with article 16 of the Convention as applicable to amendments to an Annex to that Convention; and

(b) amendments to Part II-B of that Code are adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee in accordance with the rules of procedure which apply to that Committee.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)—

(a) Parts 1 and 2 of the RO Code are modified if omissions, additions or other alterations to the text take effect in accordance with Article 16 of the Convention;

(b) Part 3 of the RO Code is modified if omissions, additions or other alterations to the text are adopted by a Resolution of the Marine Environment Protection Committee in accordance with the rules of procedure which apply to that Committee; and

(c) any modifications referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) adopted by a Resolution of the Marine Safety Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee must be identical and come into force, or take effect, at the same time, and

such modification has effect at the time specified in any Resolution described in sub-paragraph (c).

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 4 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Application U.K.

5.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), these Regulations and the Convention apply to—

(a) all United Kingdom ships, wherever they may be; and

(b) all non-United Kingdom ships within United Kingdom waters M13 .

(2) These Regulations and the Convention do not apply to any—

(a) warship;

(b) naval auxiliary; or

(c) other ship owned or operated by the State and used, for the time being, only on government non-commercial service.

(3) Subject to paragraph (2), regulations 25 and 26 apply to the discharge into the sea from any ship which has caused, or is likely to cause, pollution within United Kingdom waters or controlled waters.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), regulations 16, 26.4, 29 to 32, 34 and 36 of Annex I apply to the construction and operation of cargo spaces within ships other than oil tankers where such spaces are constructed for and used to carry oil in bulk of an aggregate capacity of 200 cubic metres or more.

(5) Where the aggregate capacity of a cargo space referred to in paragraph (4) is less than 1,000 cubic metres, regulation 34.6 of Annex I applies instead of regulations 29, 31 and 32 of that Annex.

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 5 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M13 “United Kingdom waters” is defined in section 313(2)(a) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Compliance with Survey and Certification Requirements U.K.

6.—(1) Subject to any exemption conferred by or under these Regulations, a ship must not be enabled to—

(a) proceed, or to attempt to proceed, to sea; or

(b) (if it is already at sea) remain at sea,

unless the requirements in paragraph (2) are met.

(2) The requirements are that the ship—

(a) has been surveyed in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations which apply to that ship; and

(b) is the subject of a valid IOPP Certificate or, in the case of a ship not engaged in international voyages, a UKOPP Certificate.

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 6 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Exemptions U.K.

7.—(1) The Secretary of State may exempt a ship which has constructional features which render the application of any of the provisions of—

(a) Chapters 3 and 4 of Annex I; or

(b) section 1.2 of part II-A of the Polar Code,

relating to construction or equipment unreasonable or impractical, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that the construction and equipment of any such ship provides equivalent protection from pollution by oil, having regard to the service for which that ship is intended.

(2) The particulars of any exemption granted under paragraph (1) must be indicated in the IOPP or UKOPP certificate issued under regulation 12 or 13.

(3) Subject to paragraph (5) the Secretary of State may exempt any ship or any description of ship from any of the provisions of these Regulations.

(4) An exemption by the Secretary of State is valid only if given in writing and may be—

(a) given subject to such conditions and limitations as the Secretary of State may specify; and

(b) [F1 on the giving of reasonable notice,] altered or cancelled by a notice given in writing by the Secretary of State.

(5) An exemption under paragraph (3) may be granted only if the exemption is compatible with requirements under Annex I.

[F2 (5A) Where an exemption is granted under paragraph (3) in respect of a UNSP barge which is a United Kingdom ship, in relation to regulation 10 (surveys), 12 (issue and endorsement of IOPP Certificates) or 13 (issue of UKOPP Certificates), the Secretary of State must issue a UNSP Exemption Certificate.

(5B) Where an exemption is altered or cancelled under paragraph (4)(b), the Secretary of State must indicate this on the UNSP Exemption Certificate.

(5C) The Secretary of State may, at the request of the Administration of another Convention Country, survey a UNSP barge entitled to fly the flag of that Convention Country for the purpose of issuing an exemption under paragraph (3) in relation to regulation 12 or 13 in respect of that ship and, if satisfied that the ship meets the requirements for that exemption, issue a UNSP Exemption Certificate in respect of that ship.

(5D) A UNSP Exemption Certificate issued under paragraph (5C) must include a statement to the effect that it has been issued at the request of the Administration of a Convention Country.

(5E) The Secretary of State must, as soon as possible after issuing a UNSP Exemption Certificate under paragraph (5C), send to the requesting Administration—

(a) a copy of the UNSP Exemption Certificate so issued; and

(b) a copy of the corresponding survey report.

(5F) A UNSP Exemption Certificate must not be issued in respect of a ship entitled to fly the flag of a State which is not a Convention Country.]

[F3 (6) In this regulation—

“UNSP” barge means an unmanned non-self-propelled barge that—

(a)

is not propelled by mechanical means;

(b)

carries no oil;

(c)

has no machinery fitted that may use oil or generate oil residue;

(d)

has no fuel tank, lubricating oil tank, oily bilge water holding tank and oil residue tank; and

(e)

has neither persons nor living animals on board; and

“UNSP Exemption Certificate” means the certificate described as “International Oil Pollution Prevention Exemption Certificate for Unmanned Non-self-propelled (UNSP) Barges” in appendix IV to Annex I.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 7(4)(b) inserted (27.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1234), regs. 1(1), 2(2)(a)

F2 Reg. 7(5A)-(5F) inserted (27.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1234), regs. 1(1), 2(2)(b)

F3 Reg. 7(6) substituted (27.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1234), regs. 1(1), 2(2)(c)

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 7 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Equivalents U.K.

8.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), any fitting, material, appliance or apparatus may be fitted in a ship as an alternative to one that complies with Annex I if it has been approved by the Secretary of State and—

(a) the owner or master of the ship has made an application to the Secretary of State for permission to fit the fitting, material, appliance or apparatus to the ship;

(b) a surveyor—

(i) is satisfied that the fitting, material, appliance or apparatus is at least as effective as that required by Annex I; and

(ii) has endorsed the application to the Secretary of State to that effect; and

(c) the fitting, material, appliance or apparatus is fitted to the ship in accordance with any conditions or limitations set out in the approval and is used and operated in accordance with any such conditions or limitations.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not permit the substitution of operational methods to control the discharge of oil as being equivalent to the design and construction features prescribed by Annex I.

(3) For the purposes of these Regulations a fitting, material, appliance or apparatus fitted to a ship as an alternative to any of the requirements in Annex I meets the requirements of Annex I providing it has been approved in accordance with the procedure specified in paragraph (1).

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 8 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Authorisation of Certifying Authorities U.K.

9.  A person authorised by the Secretary of State as a Certifying Authority must be authorised in accordance with—

(a) the Convention; and

(b) the RO Code M14 .

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 9 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M14 The requirements of the RO Code are implemented by way of Regulation (EC) No. 391/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23rd April 2009 on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organisations, and related tertiary legislation.

PART 2 U.K. Surveys, Certificates and Oil Record Book

Surveys U.K.

10.—(1) This regulation applies to—

(a) a United Kingdom oil tanker of 150 GT and above; and

(b) a United Kingdom ship of 400 GT and above which is not an oil tanker.

(2) A ship to which this regulation applies which is engaged in international voyages must be subjected to the surveys described in paragraph (4).

(3) A ship to which this regulation applies which is not engaged in international voyages must be subjected to the surveys described in paragraph (4)(a), (b) and (e).

(4) The surveys are—

(a) an initial survey, as prescribed in regulation 6.1.1 of Annex I, which must be completed before a ship is put in service or before an IOPP or UKOPP Certificate is first issued in respect of that ship;

(b) a renewal survey, which must be completed within five years of the issue of an IOPP or UKOPP certificate and at intervals not exceeding five years thereafter;

(c) an intermediate survey, which must be completed either—

(i) no more than three months before or after the second anniversary date of the issue of an IOPP certificate; or

(ii) no more than three months before or after the third anniversary date of the issue of an IOPP certificate, and

any such survey takes the place in that year of an annual survey described in sub-paragraph (d);

(d) an annual survey, which must be completed no more than three months before or after the anniversary date of the issue of an IOPP certificate, except where an intermediate survey described in sub-paragraph (c) has been completed within that period; and

(e) an additional survey (either general or partial), which must be completed either—

(i) after a repair resulting from investigations prescribed in regulation 11(5); or

(ii) when an important repair or renewal is made to the ship.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4)(e)(ii) an important repair or renewal is a repair or renewal which is required to be effected in order to—

(a) address a defect which substantially affects the integrity of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of the equipment of the ship; or

(b) ensure compliance with the requirements of Annex I.

(6) In the case of a dispute as to whether a repair or renewal effected or intended to be effected in respect of a ship is an important repair or renewal for the purposes of paragraph (4)(e)(ii), the owner or master of a ship may serve a written request upon the Secretary of State seeking advice.

(7) A repair or renewal is to be regarded as not being an important repair or renewal for those purposes unless the Secretary of State advises to the contrary within 21 days of receipt of a request under paragraph (6).

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 10 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Responsibilities of owner and master U.K.

11.—(1) The owner and master of a ship must ensure the condition of the ship and its equipment is maintained to conform—

(a) in the case of a United Kingdom ship, or any ship surveyed in accordance with these Regulations, with the provisions of these Regulations; or

(b) in the case of any other ship, with the requirements of Annex I,

so as to ensure that the ship, in all respects, will remain fit to proceed to sea without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

(2) After completion of any survey described in regulation 10 the owner and master of a ship must ensure that no change is made in the structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements or material subject to that survey, except by direct replacement, without the approval of—

(a) the Certifying Authority; or

(b) the Administration of the Convention Country which carried out the survey in respect of that ship.

(3) Whenever—

(a) an accident occurs to a ship; or

(b) a defect is discovered in a ship,

which substantially affects the integrity of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of the equipment of the ship as required under these Regulations, the owner and master of the ship must comply with the requirements in paragraph (4).

(4) The requirements are that—

(a) the accident or defect is reported at the earliest opportunity to the Certifying Authority that issued the IOPP or UKOPP certificate in respect of that ship;

(b) in the case of a United Kingdom ship which is in a port outside the United Kingdom the accident or defect is also reported at the earliest opportunity to the appropriate maritime authorities in the country in which the port is situated; and

(c) if the ship is a non-United Kingdom ship in a port in the United Kingdom, the accident or defect is reported to the Secretary of State.

(5) Whenever an accident or defect is reported to a Certifying Authority in accordance with paragraph (4)(a), that Certifying Authority must—

(a) cause an investigation to be initiated to determine whether or not an additional survey and any repair is necessary; and

(b) if it considers that an additional survey or repair is necessary, cause that survey or repair to be carried out.

(6) Whenever an accident or defect is reported to a Certifying Authority in accordance with paragraph (4)(a) and the ship in question is in a port outside the United Kingdom, the Certifying Authority must take all appropriate steps to ascertain that the requirement in paragraph (4)(b) has been complied with.

(7) In paragraph (2) “direct replacement” means direct replacement of equipment and fittings with equipment and fittings that conform with the requirements under Annex I which apply to that ship.

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 11 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Issue and endorsement of IOPP Certificates U.K.

12.—(1) This regulation applies to—

(a) an oil tanker of 150 GT and above; and

(b) a ship of 400 GT and above which is not an oil tanker,

which is engaged in international voyages.

(2) Subject to the payment of any fee due under the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2018 M15 , following completion of an initial or renewal survey a Certifying Authority must issue an IOPP Certificate in respect of any ship described in paragraph (1) if that Certifying Authority is satisfied that the requirements of Annex I are being complied with in respect of that ship.

(3) Where a Certifying Authority is satisfied, following completion of an intermediate or annual survey, that the requirements of Annex I are being complied with, that Certifying Authority must endorse the IOPP Certificate in respect of that ship to that effect.

(4) The Secretary of State may request a Contracting State—

(a) to survey a ship to which this regulation applies; and

(b) to—

(i) issue, or authorise the issue of; or

(ii) endorse, or authorise the endorsement of,

an IOPP Certificate in respect of that ship, in accordance with the requirements of Annex I, if the Contracting State is satisfied that the ship complies with the relevant requirements of Annex I.

(5) Where an IOPP Certificate is issued under paragraph (4)—

(a) the Secretary of State is to be treated as the Certifying Authority in relation to it; and

(b) any reference in these Regulations to the Certifying Authority that issued the certificate is to be treated as a reference to the Secretary of State.

(6) The Secretary of State may, at the request of the Administration of a Convention Country, carry out a survey of a ship registered in that Country and if satisfied that the requirements of Annex I are complied with—

(a) issue an IOPP Certificate in respect of that ship; or

(b) endorse such a certificate in accordance with the requirements of Annex I.

(7) The Secretary of State must, as soon as possible after issuing or endorsing a certificate under paragraph (6), send to the requesting Administration—

(a) a copy of a certificate issued or endorsed in accordance with paragraph (6); and

(b) a copy of the corresponding survey report.

(8) A certificate issued or endorsed in accordance with paragraph (6)—

(a) must include a statement to the effect that it has been issued or endorsed at the request of the Administration of a Convention Country; and

(b) has the same force and must receive the same recognition as a certificate issued by the requesting Administration.

(9) An IOPP certificate issued or endorsed in accordance with this regulation must be in the form prescribed in Appendix II to Annex I, including the Supplements.

(10) An IOPP Certificate must not be issued in respect of a ship entitled to fly the flag of a State which is not a Convention Country.

(11) In this regulation “Contracting State” means a State which has consented to be bound by the Convention.

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 12 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M15 S.I. 2018/1104. There are amending instruments but none is relevant.

Issue of UKOPP certificates U.K.

13.—(1) This regulation applies to—

(a) an oil tanker of 150 GT and above; and

(b) a ship of 400 GT and above which is not an oil tanker,

which is not engaged in international voyages.

(2) Subject to the payment of any fee due under the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2018, following completion of an initial or renewal survey a Certifying Authority must issue a UKOPP Certificate in respect of any ship described in paragraph (1) if that Certifying Authority is satisfied that the requirements of Annex I are complied with in respect of that ship.

(3) A UKOPP certificate issued in accordance with this regulation must be in the form prescribed in Appendix II to Annex I, including the Supplements, subject to the modifications in paragraph (4).

(4) The modifications are that—

(a) references to an “IOPP Certificate” are substituted by a reference to a “UKOPP Certificate”;

(b) provisions relating to the “endorsement for annual and intermediate surveys”, or an “annual/ intermediate survey in accordance with regulation 10.8.3” are omitted.

Commencement Information

I13 Reg. 13 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Duration and validity of certificates U.K.

14.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (6), an IOPP or UKOPP Certificate must be issued for a period specified by the Certifying Authority which must not exceed five years.

(2) Where a renewal survey is completed within a period of three months before the date of expiry of an IOPP or UKOPP Certificate, the new certificate is valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey to a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate.

(3) Where a renewal survey is completed after the date on which an IOPP or UKOPP certificate expires, the new certificate is valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey for a period not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the IOPP or UKOPP certificate.

(4) When a renewal survey is completed more than three months before the expiry date of an IOPP or UKOPP certificate, the new certificate is valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey for a period not exceeding five years from that date.

(5) If an intermediate or annual survey is completed before the period prescribed in regulation 10(4)(c) or (d)—

(a) the anniversary date shown on the IOPP certificate must be amended by endorsement to a date not more than three months later than the date on which the survey was completed;

(b) the subsequent intermediate or annual survey must be completed at the intervals prescribed in regulation 10(4)(c) or (d) using the anniversary date as amended in accordance with sub-paragraph (a); and

(c) the expiry date of the IOPP certificate may remain unchanged provided one or more intermediate or annual surveys, as the case may be, are completed so that the maximum intervals between surveys as prescribed in regulation 10(4) are not exceeded.

(6) An IOPP or UKOPP certificate ceases to be valid—

(a) if relevant surveys are not completed within the periods prescribed in regulation 10(4);

(b) if the IOPP certificate is not endorsed following an intermediate or annual survey; or

(c) upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another State.

Commencement Information

I14 Reg. 14 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Extension of validity of certificates U.K.

15.—(1) If an IOPP certificate is issued for a period of validity of less than five years, the Certifying Authority which issued the certificate may extend the period of validity of that certificate to a maximum of five years provided annual and intermediate surveys have been completed as appropriate.

(2) Where—

(a) a renewal survey has been completed, but

(b) the IOPP or UKOPP certificate in respect of that survey cannot be issued or placed on board the ship before the date on which the existing certificate is due to expire,

the Certifying Authority may endorse the existing certificate as being valid for a period not exceeding five months from the date on which that existing certificate is due to expire.

(3) Where—

(a) a renewal survey has not been completed before the date on which an IOPP or UKOPP certificate expires; and

(b) on the date of expiry the ship is not in the port in which the survey is due to be carried out,

the Certifying Authority that issued the existing IOPP or UKOPP certificate may extend the period of validity of that certificate for a period not exceeding three months if it appears to the Certifying Authority that it is proper and reasonable to do so solely for the purpose of enabling the ship to complete the voyage to its port of survey.

(4) A ship in respect of which a certificate has been extended under paragraph (3) must not, following its arrival in the port in which it is to be surveyed, be enabled by virtue of that extension to leave that port before a new certificate is issued.

(5) A certificate issued following completion of the renewal survey in the circumstances described in paragraph (3) may be issued for a period not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted.

(6) Where no other extension has been granted under this regulation, the Certifying Authority which issued an IOPP or UKOPP certificate in respect of a ship used solely on short voyages may extend the validity of that certificate for a period not exceeding one month from the date of expiry.

(7) A certificate issued following completion of the renewal survey in the circumstances described in paragraph (6) may be issued for a period not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted.

(8) An extension of validity under paragraph (3) or (6) must be disregarded for the purposes of determining the date of expiry of an existing IOPP or UKOPP Certificate under regulation 14(2) or (3).

(9) In the circumstances described in paragraph (10) a Certificate issued following a renewal survey which is completed—

(a) after the expiry of an IOPP or UKOPP certificate; or

(b) during the period of an extension granted under paragraph (3) or (6),

may be issued as being valid to a date not exceeding five years from the date of completion of that renewal survey.

(10) The circumstances are where the owner of the ship—

(a) submits a request to the Certifying Authority for the new period of certification to begin on the date of the completion of the relevant renewal survey;

(b) satisfies the Certifying Authority that the owner is justified in making such a request; and

(c) complies with any reasonable additional survey requirements which the Certifying Authority may impose.

(11) In this regulation “short voyage” means a voyage which—

(a) does not exceed 1,000 nautical miles between the last port of call in the country in which the voyage begins and the last port of call in the voyage before beginning any return voyage; and

(b) on any return voyage does not exceed 1,000 nautical miles between the port of call in which the ship begins its return voyage and the first port of call in the country in which the voyage began,

and for the purposes of this definition, no account is to be taken of any deviation by a ship from its intended voyage due solely to stress of weather or any other circumstances that neither the master nor the owner nor the charterer (if any) of the ship could have prevented or forestalled.

Commencement Information

I15 Reg. 15 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Miscellaneous provisions relating to certificates U.K.

16.—(1) The Secretary of State may cancel an IOPP or UKOPP certificate issued in respect of a United Kingdom ship where the Secretary of State has reason to believe that—

(a) the certificate was issued on false or erroneous information; or

(b) since the completion of any survey required by these Regulations, the equipment or machinery of the ship has sustained damage or is otherwise deficient.

(2) The Secretary of State may require that an IOPP or UKOPP certificate issued in respect of a United Kingdom ship, and which has expired or which has been cancelled, is to be surrendered to the Secretary of State.

(3) In relation to a United Kingdom ship, a person must not—

(a) intentionally alter an IOPP or UKOPP certificate;

(b) intentionally make a false IOPP or UKOPP certificate;

(c) knowingly or recklessly provide false information in connection with a survey required under these Regulations;

(d) with intent to deceive, use, lend, or allow to be used by another, an IOPP or UKOPP certificate;

(e) fail to surrender an IOPP or UKOPP certificate where required to do so under paragraph (2); or

(f) in Scotland, forge an IOPP or UKOPP certificate.

(4) The owner and the master of a United Kingdom ship in respect of which an IOPP or UKOPP certificate has been issued must ensure that the certificate is readily available on board the ship for inspection at all times.

Commencement Information

I16 Reg. 16 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Procedure to be adopted when a ship is deficient U.K.

17.—(1) Where the Certifying Authority determines that the condition of a United Kingdom ship or its equipment—

(a) does not correspond with the particulars of the IOPP or UKOPP certificate issued in respect of that ship; or

(b) is such that the ship is not fit to proceed to sea without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment,

the Certifying Authority must inform the owner or master of the corrective action which must be taken and give notice to the Secretary of State.

(2) If the corrective action required under paragraph (1) is not taken within the period specified by the Certifying Authority (which must be a reasonable period) the Certifying Authority must withdraw the IOPP or UKOPP Certificate in respect of that ship and immediately notify—

(a) the owner or master of the ship; and

(b) the Secretary of State.

(3) Where paragraph (2) applies in respect of a ship which is in a port of a Convention Country other than the United Kingdom, the Certifying Authority must also notify the appropriate authorities of the country in which the port is situated.

(4) Where a ship of a Convention Country other than the United Kingdom is in a United Kingdom port, and the Certifying Authority determines that it is necessary to withdraw the IOPP Certificate in respect of that ship, the Certifying Authority must notify the Secretary of State.

(5) Where notification has been received under paragraph (4), the Secretary of State must take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the ship will not sail until it can proceed to sea, or leave the port for the purposes of proceeding to the nearest appropriate repair yard, without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

Commencement Information

I17 Reg. 17 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Arbitration U.K.

18.—(1) If an applicant is dissatisfied for any reason with the outcome of a survey carried out in respect of a United Kingdom ship by virtue of these Regulations, the applicant may serve a written notice on the responsible person within 21 days of receiving notification of that outcome—

(a) stating that there is a dispute between them; and

(b) requesting that the dispute be referred to a single arbitrator.

(2) Except where paragraph (3) applies, an arbitrator referred to in paragraph (1) must be appointed by agreement between the applicant and the responsible person.

(3) In default of agreement between the applicant and the responsible person, the arbitrator is such person as may be appointed by the President or Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators following a request made by—

(a) a party, after giving notice to the other party; or

(b) the parties jointly,

but this paragraph does not apply in Scotland.

(4) No person is to be an arbitrator under this regulation unless that person is—

(a) a person who holds a certificate to act as—

(i) a master or chief mate on a seagoing ship of 3,000 GT or more, in accordance with Regulation II/2 of Chapter 2 of the Annex to the STCW Convention; or

(ii) a chief engineer officer or second engineer officer on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000kW propulsion power or more, in accordance with Regulation III/2 of Chapter 3 of the Annex to the STCW Convention;

(b) a person who holds a certificate of competency equivalent to a certificate referred to in sub-paragraph (a);

(c) a naval architect;

(d) a qualified person;

(e) a person with special experience of shipping matters or of activities carried on in ports; or

(f) a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

(5) An arbitrator appointed under this regulation has the powers of an inspector conferred by section 259 of the 1995 Act.

(6) In the application of this regulation to Scotland—

(a) any reference to an arbitrator is to be construed as a reference to an arbiter; and

(b) the reference in paragraph (2) to a single arbitrator appointed by agreement between the applicant and the responsible person is to be construed as a reference to a single arbiter so appointed or, in default of such an agreement, appointed by a sheriff.

(7) The rules for arbitration set out in Merchant Shipping Notice M1613 M16 apply unless alternative procedures are agreed between the applicant and the responsible person before the commencement of arbitration proceedings.

(8) In this regulation—

(a) “applicant” means a person who makes an application for a survey required by these Regulations;

(b) “qualified person” means—

(i) a person who satisfies the judicial-appointment eligibility condition defined in section 50 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 M17 on a seven-year basis;

(ii) a person who is an advocate or solicitor in Scotland of at least seven years' standing;

(iii) a person who is a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland or a solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland of at least seven years' standing;

(c) “responsible person” means—

(i) the Certifying Authority responsible under regulation 12 or 13 for the issue of the certificate in connection with which a survey required by these Regulations is carried out; or

(ii) in the case of a dispute relating to a relevant additional survey required by regulation 10(4)(e), the Certifying Authority which issued the appropriate certificate in respect of the ship;

(d) “the STCW Convention” means the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended M18 , and any subsequent amendment to that Convention.

Commencement Information

I18 Reg. 18 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M16 Issued by, and available from, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

M17 2007 c. 15.

M18 Cmnd. 9266. The Command Paper is available electronically at http://treaties.fco.gov.uk/docs/pdf/1984/TS0050.pdf. Hard copies of the Command Paper are available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London, SW1A 0PW. Following a review of the Convention amendments were adopted by a Conference of Parties to the STCW Convention in Manilla from 21st to 25th June 2010 and a consolidated text produced. The 2017 Consolidated version of the Convention, including the Final Act of the 2010 Manilla Conference of Parties to the STCW Convention, is available from IMO Publishing, ISBN 978-92-801-16359.

Prohibition on non-United Kingdom ships proceeding to sea U.K.

19.  A ship which is not a United Kingdom ship and which, by virtue of regulation 7 of Annex I, is required to be issued with an IOPP certificate must not be enabled to proceed to sea from a port in the United Kingdom unless—

(a) a Contracting State has issued, and where appropriate endorsed, an IOPP certificate in respect of that ship and that certificate (and, where appropriate, that endorsement) is still valid;

(b) the Government of a State which is not a Contracting State has issued, and where appropriate endorsed, an IOPP certificate in respect of that ship which is deemed by the Certifying Authority to have the same force as a certificate issued in accordance with the requirements of Annex I and that certificate (and, where appropriate, that endorsement) is still valid;

(c) a surveyor of ships—

(i) has carried out a survey of the ship as if regulation 10(4)(a) applied to that ship; and

(ii) is satisfied that the ship can proceed to sea without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment; or

(d) a person having power to detain the ship—

(i) is satisfied that the ship can proceed to sea for the purpose of proceeding to the nearest appropriate repair yard without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment; and

(ii) has permitted the ship to proceed.

Commencement Information

I19 Reg. 19 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Oil Record Book U.K.

20.—(1) Every oil tanker of 150 GT and above, and every ship of 400 GT and above other than an oil tanker, must be provided with an Oil Record Book Part I (Machinery Space Operations).

(2) Every oil tanker of 150 GT and above must be provided with an Oil Record Book Part II (Cargo/ Ballast Operations).

[F4 (3) The Oil Record Books referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) must be in—

(a) the format specified in—

(i) regulation 17.1 of Annex I (oil record book, part I (machinery space operations)); or

(ii) regulation 36.1 of Annex I (oil record book, part II (cargo/ballast operations)); or

(b) the form specified in Appendix III to Annex I (form of oil record book).]

(4) The relevant Part of the Oil Record Book must be completed in accordance with the requirements in paragraph (5).

(5) The requirements are that—

(a) Part I must be completed, on a tank-to-tank basis if appropriate, whenever any of the machinery space operations listed in regulation 17.2 of Annex I take place in the ship; and

(b) Part II must be completed, on a tank-to-tank basis if appropriate, whenever any of the cargo/ ballast operations listed in regulation 36.2 or 3 of Annex I take place in the ship.

(6) In the event of a discharge of oil or oily mixture as referred to in regulation 17.3 or 36.4 of Annex I, or in the event of accidental or other exceptional discharge of oil not excepted by those regulations, a record must be made in that part of the Oil Record Book which is relevant to the source of the discharge about the circumstances of, and the reasons for, the discharge.

(7) Each operation referred to in paragraph (5) must be fully recorded without delay in the Oil Record Book and all entries in the book appropriate to that operation must be completed.

(8) Once an operation recorded under paragraph (7) is complete, the entry in the Oil Record Book for that operation must be signed-off by the officer or officers in charge of that operation, and each completed page [F5 or group of electronic entries] must be signed by the master.

(9) Any failure of the—

(a) oil filtering equipment must be recorded in the Oil Record Book Part I; and

(b) oil discharge monitoring and control system must be recorded in the Oil Record Book Part II.

(10) The Oil Record Book must be kept in such a place as to be readily available for inspection at all reasonable times and, other than in the case of unmanned ships under tow, must be kept on board the ship.

(11) The Oil Record Book must be preserved for a period of three years after the last entry has been made.

(12) The Secretary of State, or a person authorised by the Certifying Authority, may—

(a) inspect the Oil Record Book on board a ship which is in a port or offshore terminal;

(b) make a copy of any entry in the Oil Record Book; and

(c) require the master of the ship to certify that the copy is a true copy of any such entry.

(13) A copy of an entry described in paragraph (12)(c) is admissible in any judicial proceedings as evidence of the facts stated in that entry.

(14) The inspection of an Oil Record Book and the taking of a certified copy of any entry as described in paragraph (12) must be performed as expeditiously as possible without causing the ship to be unduly delayed.

(15) In this Regulation “filtering equipment” means filters or any combination of separators and filters which are designed to produce effluent containing not more than 15 ppm of oil.

Textual Amendments

F4 Reg. 20(3) substituted (3.8.2021) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution from Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk and Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/818), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(a)

F5 Words in reg. 20(8) inserted (3.8.2021) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution from Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk and Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/818), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(b)

Commencement Information

I20 Reg. 20 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 3 U.K. Requirements for Control of Operational Pollution—Control of Discharge of Oil

General exceptions U.K.

21.—(1) Regulations 25, 26, and paragraph 1.1.1 of part II-A of the Polar Code do not apply to—

(a) the discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixture necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of a ship or saving life at sea;

(b) the discharge, other than a discharge from an excepted ship, into the sea of oil or oily mixture resulting from damage to a ship or its equipment provided that—

(i) all reasonable precautions were taken after the occurrence of the damage, or the discovery of the discharge, to prevent or minimise that discharge; and

(ii) the owner or the master did not act either with intent to cause damage, or recklessly and with knowledge that damage would probably result; or

(c) any approved discharge into the sea of substances containing oil which is being used for the purpose of combating specific pollution incidents in order to minimise the damage from pollution.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c) “approved” means approved by the Government in whose jurisdiction the discharge is expected to be made.

Commencement Information

I21 Reg. 21 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Exceptions for damage to a ship or its equipment in internal or controlled waters U.K.

22.  The provisions of regulations 25 and 26 do not apply to any discharge of oil or oily mixture from an excepted ship into a part of the sea which is within the United Kingdom or its controlled waters which results from damage to a ship or its equipment if—

(a) the damage was caused by a person who was not connected with the excepted ship's business and who was acting—

(i) with intent;

(ii) recklessly; or

(iii) with serious negligence;

(b) all reasonable precautions were taken after the damage, or discovery of the discharge, to prevent or minimise the discharge; and

(c) neither the owner nor the master of the excepted ship acted—

(i) with intent to cause damage; or

(ii) recklessly and with knowledge that damage would probably result.

Commencement Information

I22 Reg. 22 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Exceptions for damage to a ship or its equipment in other waters U.K.

23.—(1) The provisions of regulations 25 and 26 do not apply to any discharge of oil or oily mixture from a United Kingdom excepted ship into a part of the sea outside the United Kingdom or its controlled waters which results from damage to a ship or its equipment if—

(a) the damage was caused by a person who was not connected with the UK excepted ship's business and who was acting—

(i) with intent;

(ii) recklessly; or

(iii) with serious negligence;

(b) all reasonable precautions were taken after the damage, or discovery of the discharge, to prevent or minimise the discharge; and

(c) neither the owner nor the master of the UK excepted ship acted—

(i) with intent to cause damage; or

(ii) recklessly and with knowledge that damage would probably result.

(2) The provisions of regulations 25 and 26 do not apply to any discharge of oil or oily mixture from a non-UK excepted ship into a part of the sea outside the United Kingdom or its controlled waters which results from damage to a ship or its equipment if—

(a) all reasonable precautions were taken after the damage, or discovery of the discharge, to prevent or minimise the discharge; or

(b) neither the owner nor the master of the excepted ship acted—

(i) with intent to cause damage; or

(ii) recklessly and with knowledge that damage would probably result.

Commencement Information

I23 Reg. 23 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Definitions for the purposes of regulations 21 to 23 U.K.

24.  In regulations 21 to 23—

(a) “excepted ship” means a seagoing vessel of any type operating in the marine environment and includes hydrofoil boats, air-cushion vehicles, submersibles and floating craft but excludes a structure which is a fixed or floating platform;

(b) “UK excepted ship” means an excepted ship which is a United Kingdom ship;

(c) “non-UK excepted ship” means an excepted ship which is not a UK excepted ship; and

(d) a reference to a person connected with a ship's business includes—

(i) a seafarer on the ship;

(ii) the master;

(iii) the owner;

(iv) an owner of cargo carried on the ship; and

(v) a classification society which has issued a class certificate showing that the ship conforms to the class standards stipulated by that society.

Commencement Information

I24 Reg. 24 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Control of discharge of oil from ships U.K.

25.—(1) Subject to regulations 21 to 23, and paragraph (2), the discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixture from the machinery space of any ship is prohibited.

(2) Paragraph (1) is subject to the following exceptions—

(a) in the case of ships of 400 GT and above on a voyage outside special areas except in Arctic waters, when the conditions specified in regulation 15, paragraph 2 of Annex I are satisfied;

(b) in the case of ships of 400 GT and above on a voyage only part of which is in a special area, when—

(i) the discharge is made outside of a special area except in Arctic waters; and

(ii) the conditions specified in regulation 15.2 of Annex I are satisfied;

(c) in the case of ships of 400 GT and above on a voyage in special areas, when the conditions specified in regulation 15.3 of Annex I are satisfied; and

(d) in the case of ships of less than 400 GT on a voyage in any area except the Antarctic area and Arctic waters, when the conditions specified in regulation 15.6 of Annex I are satisfied.

(3) Subject to regulation 21, the discharge into the sea in the Antarctic area of oil or oily mixtures from any ship is prohibited and the exceptions referred to in paragraph (2)(c) do not apply.

(4) So far as is reasonably practicable the Secretary of State must, on receipt of a report of visible traces of oil observed on or below the surface of the water in the immediate vicinity of a ship or its wake, launch an investigation to determine whether provisions in this regulation have been contravened.

(5) An investigation launched under paragraph (4) must in particular include an examination of—

(a) the wind and sea conditions;

(b) the track and speed of the ship;

(c) other possible sources of the visible traces of oil in the relevant vicinity; and

(d) any relevant oil discharge records.

(6) The discharge into the sea of—

(a) chemicals or other substances in quantities or concentrations which are hazardous to the marine environment; or

(b) chemicals or other substances introduced for the purpose of circumventing the conditions of discharge specified in regulation 15 of Annex I,

is prohibited.

(7) Oil residues which cannot be discharged into the sea in compliance with regulation 15 of Annex I must be retained on board for subsequent discharge to reception facilities.

Commencement Information

I25 Reg. 25 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Control of discharge of oil from oil tankers U.K.

26.—(1) Subject to regulations 21 to 23, and paragraphs (2) and (4), the discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixtures from the cargo area of an oil tanker is prohibited.

(2) Paragraph (1) is subject to the following exceptions—

(a) in the case of an oil tanker on a voyage outside of a special area except in Arctic waters, when all of the conditions specified in regulation 34.1 of Annex I are satisfied; or

(b) in the case of a ship on a voyage only part of which is in a special area, when—

(i) the discharge is made outside of a special area except in Arctic waters; and

(ii) all of the conditions specified in regulation 34.1 of Annex I are satisfied.

(3) Subject to regulations 21 and 27, and paragraph (4), any discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixture from the cargo area of an oil tanker is prohibited in a special area.

(4) Paragraphs (1) and (3) do not apply to the discharge of clean ballast or segregated ballast.

(5) So far as is reasonably practicable the Secretary of State must, on receipt of a report of visible traces of oil observed on or below the surface of the water in the immediate vicinity of a ship or its wake, launch an investigation to determine whether provisions in this regulation have been contravened.

(6) An investigation launched under paragraph (5) must in particular include an examination of—

(a) the wind and sea conditions;

(b) the track and speed of the ship;

(c) other possible sources of the visible traces of oil in the relevant vicinity; and

(d) any relevant oil discharge records.

(7) The discharge into the sea of—

(a) chemicals or other substances in quantities or concentrations which are hazardous to the marine environment; or

(b) chemicals or other substances introduced for the purpose of circumventing the conditions of discharge specified in this regulation,

is prohibited.

(8) Oil residues which cannot be discharged into the sea in compliance with regulation 34 of Annex I must be retained on board the ship for subsequent discharge into reception facilities.

(9) In this regulation “clean ballast” and “segregated ballast” have the meaning given in regulation 1 of Annex I.

Commencement Information

I26 Reg. 26 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Control of discharge of oil in certain special areas U.K.

27.—(1) An area referred to in paragraph (2) is not a special area for the purposes of regulations 25 and 26 until such date as the IMO—

(a) establishes, in accordance with regulation 38.6.1. of Annex I, the date from which the requirements of regulations 15 and 34 of that Annex will take effect in respect of the area in question; and

(b) publishes a notice to that effect on the website of the IMO M19 .

(2) The areas are—

(a) the Red Sea area;

(b) the Gulf of Aden area; and

(c) the Oman area of the Arabian Sea,

as defined in regulation 1.11.4, 1.11.6 and 1.11.9 of Annex I.

(3) Until such time as notification is given under paragraph (1), ships navigating in the areas described in paragraph (2) must comply with the discharge requirements in regulations 25 and 26 as if those areas were not special areas.

Commencement Information

I27 Reg. 27 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M19 http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/SpecialAreasUnderMARPOL/Pages/Default.aspx. Information may also be obtained from the IMO Library and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Special requirements for the use or carriage of oils in the Antarctic Area U.K.

28.—(1) With the exception of vessels engaged in ensuring the safety of ships, or in a search and rescue operation, the—

(a) carriage in bulk as cargo;

(b) use as ballast; or

(c) carriage and use as fuel,

of any of the substances listed in regulation 43.1 of Annex I is prohibited in the Antarctic Area.

(2) When prior operations have included the carriage or use of substances referred to in paragraph (1), the cleaning or flushing of tanks or pipelines is not required.

Commencement Information

I28 Reg. 28 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 4 U.K. Machinery Spaces on Ships

Requirements for Machinery Spaces on all Ships U.K.

29.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), the—

(a) construction;

(b) provision of equipment; and

(c) operation of the machinery space,

of any ship to which these Regulations apply must comply with such of the requirements referred to in paragraph (2) as apply in relation to the machinery space of a ship of its size and description.

(2) The requirements are those prescribed in the following regulations, or paragraphs of regulations, of Annex I—

(a) regulation 12 (tanks for oil residues (sludge));

(b) regulation 12A, paragraphs 1 to 11 (oil fuel tank protection);

(c) regulation 13 (standard discharge connection);

(d) regulation 14, paragraphs 1 to 3, 6 and 7 (oil filtering equipment); and

(e) regulation 16 (segregation of oil and water ballast and carriage of oil in forepeak tanks).

(3) Ships of less than 400 GT must—

(a) be equipped, so far as practicable, to retain on board oil or oily mixtures for subsequent discharge into reception facilities; or

(b) discharge such oil or oily mixtures in accordance with regulation 15.6 of Annex I.

(4) The Secretary of State may waive the requirements specified in regulation 14.1 and 14.2 of Annex I for—

(a) any ship engaged exclusively on voyages within special areas or Arctic waters; and

(b) any ship compliant with the provisions of [F6 regulation 9 of the Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022] relevant to that ship which is engaged on a scheduled service with a turn-around time not exceeding 24 hours, including non-passenger or cargo carrying relocation voyages for these ships,

provided the conditions in regulation 14.5.3 of Annex I are satisfied.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in reg. 29(4)(b) substituted (19.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1219), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 24 (with reg. 4(2)-(4))

Commencement Information

I29 Reg. 29 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 5 U.K. Oil Tankers

Requirements for Cargo Areas of Oil Tankers U.K.

30.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) the—

(a) construction;

(b) provision of equipment; and

(c) operation of the cargo area,

of any oil tanker to which these Regulations apply must comply with such of the requirements referred to in paragraph (2) as apply in relation to the cargo area of an oil tanker of its size and description.

(2) The requirements are those prescribed in the following regulations, or paragraphs of regulations, of Annex I—

(a) regulation 18 (segregated ballast tanks);

(b) regulation 19 (double hull and double bottom requirements for oil tankers delivered on or after 6 July 1996);

(c) regulation 20, paragraphs 1 to 4 and 6 (double hull and double bottom requirements for oil tankers delivered before 6 July 1996);

(d) regulation 21, paragraphs 1 to 4 (prevention of oil pollution from oil tankers carrying heavy grade oil as cargo);

(e) regulations 22 to 28 (various requirements for the cargo areas of oil tankers);

(f) regulation 30 (pumping, piping and discharge arrangement); and

(g) regulation 33 (crude oil washing requirements).

(3) Regulation 18.6 to 18.8 of Annex I does not apply to an oil tanker delivered on or before 1st June 1982 in the circumstances described in regulation 2.5 of Annex I, subject to the conditions in regulation 2.6 of that Annex.

(4) The Secretary of State may waive the requirements of regulation 28.6 of Annex I for oil tankers listed in regulation 3.6 of that Annex provided such tankers are loaded in accordance with conditions approved by the Secretary of State, taking into account guidelines developed by the IMO M20 .

(5) The entry into a port or offshore terminal within the territorial waters of the United Kingdom is prohibited in respect of a ship operating in accordance with the following provisions in Annex I—

(a) regulation 20, paragraph 5; or

(b) regulation 21, paragraph 5 or 6.

(6) The ship-to-ship transfer of heavy grade oil within the territorial waters of the United Kingdom involving a ship operating in accordance with the provisions referred to in in paragraph (5)(b) is prohibited unless it is necessary to secure the safety of a ship or to save life at sea.

Commencement Information

I30 Reg. 30 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M20 See the operational guidance provided in Part 2 of the Guidelines for Verification of Damage Stability Requirements for Tankers (MSC.1/Circ.1461). A copy of the guidance may be obtained from the IMO Library at www.imo.org.en/MediaCentre/Pages/Default.aspx or in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Retention of oil on board U.K.

31.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), oil tankers of 150 GT and above must comply with the requirements of regulations 29, 31 and 32 of Annex I.

(2) Regulations 29, 31 and 32 of Annex I do not apply to any oil tanker referred to in paragraph (1) which is engaged exclusively on voyages of 72 hours or less in duration and within 50 nautical miles of the nearest land provided that—

(a) the oil tanker is engaged exclusively in trade between ports or terminals within the United Kingdom;

(b) all oily mixtures are retained on board the oil tanker for subsequent discharge into reception facilities; and

(c) the Secretary of State has determined that adequate facilities are available to receive such oily mixtures.

(3) Regulations 31 and 32 of Annex I do not apply to an oil tanker referred to in paragraph (1) which—

(a) is an oil tanker delivered on or before 1st June 1982 of 40,000 tonnes deadweight or above solely engaged in specified trades as described in regulation 2.5 of Annex I, provided the conditions specified in regulation 2.6 of that Annex are satisfied;

(b) is engaged exclusively on voyages—

(i) within special areas;

(ii) within Arctic waters; or

(iii) within 50 nautical miles from the nearest land outside special areas or Arctic waters and is engaged in—

(aa) trading between ports or terminals within the United Kingdom; or

(bb) restricted voyages of 72 hours or less in duration as determined by the Secretary of State.

(4) Tankers to which paragraph (3)(b)(iii) apply must comply with the following conditions—

(a) all oily mixtures must be retained on board for subsequent discharge to reception facilities;

(b) in the case of voyages referred to in paragraph (3)(b)(iii)(bb), the Secretary of State has determined that adequate reception facilities are available to receive such oily mixtures in the oil loading ports or terminals at which the tanker calls;

(c) the IOPP or UKOPP Certificate is endorsed to the effect that the ship is engaged exclusively on one or more of the categories of voyage described in paragraph (3)(b); and

(d) the quantity, time and port of discharge are recorded in the Oil Record Book.

(5) In the case of oil tankers of less than 150 GT—

(a) oil must be retained on board the ship with subsequent discharge of all contaminated washings to reception facilities; and

(b) the total quantity of oil and water used for washing and returned to a storage tank must be—

(i) recorded in the Oil Record Book Part II developed by the Secretary of State for tankers operating in accordance with regulation 34.6 of Annex I; and

(ii) discharged into reception facilities unless adequate arrangements are made to ensure that any effluent which is allowed to be discharged into the sea is effectively monitored to ensure that the provisions of regulation 34 of Annex I are complied with.

(6) Subject to paragraph (7) regulations 29, 31 and 32 of Annex I do not apply to oil tankers carrying asphalt or other products subject to the provisions of these Regulations and Annex I which, through their physical properties, inhibit effective product/water separation and monitoring.

(7) Where paragraph (6) applies oil residues must be retained on board with subsequent discharge of all contaminated washings to reception facilities in order to satisfy the requirements of regulation 34 of Annex I.

(8) In this regulation “nearest land” has the meaning given in regulation 1 of Annex I.

Commencement Information

I31 Reg. 31 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Crude oil washing operations U.K.

32.—(1) Every oil tanker operating with crude oil washing systems as required by regulation 33 of Annex I must be provided with an Operations and Equipment Manual M21 describing the system and equipment in detail and specifying the operational procedures to be followed.

(2) The Operations and Equipment Manual must—

(a) be approved by the Secretary of State; and

(b) contain all the information set out in the specifications referred to in regulation 33.2 of Annex 1.

(3) If any alteration is made to the crude oil washing system the Operations and Equipment Manual must be revised accordingly, and the revision approved by the Secretary of State.

(4) Sufficient cargo tanks must be crude oil washed prior to each ballast voyage to ensure that, taking into account the tanker's trading pattern and expected weather conditions, ballast water is put only into cargo tanks which have been crude oil washed.

(5) Except where an oil tanker to which this regulation applies carries crude oil which is not suitable for crude oil washing, the crude oil washing system of a tanker must be operated in accordance with the Operations and Equipment Manual.

Commencement Information

I32 Reg. 32 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M21 See the standard format of the Crude Oil Washing Operation and Equipment Manual adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the Organization by resolution MEPC.3(12) adopted on 30th November 1979, amended by resolution MEPC.81(43) and adopted on 1st July 1999. A copy may be obtained from the IMO Library at www.imo.org.en/MediaCentre/Pages/Default.aspx or in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

PART 6 U.K. Offshore Installations

Requirements for Offshore Installations U.K.

33.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), offshore installations engaged in the exploration, exploitation or associated offshore processing of sea-bed mineral resources must comply with such requirements of these Regulations and Annex I as are applicable to ships (other than oil tankers) of 400 GT and above except that—

(a) such installations must be equipped, so far as practicable, with the systems and tanks required by regulations 12 and 14 of Annex I;

(b) the master must ensure that a record is kept, in a form approved by the Secretary of State, of all operations involving oil or oily mixture discharges; and

(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 21 of these Regulations, the discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixture is prohibited except when the oil content of the discharge without dilution does not exceed 15 ppm.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a fixed or floating production platform engaged in the activities described in paragraph (1) which—

(a) is located in waters in any area for the time being designated under section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 M22 : and

(b) is not, at the time at which it is so engaged, capable of being propelled through water under its own power.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), and subject to paragraph (4), a fixed or floating production platform means a platform from which sea-bed mineral resources are extracted from beneath the sea-bed by means of a well, or which is used for the conveyance of sea-bed mineral resources by means of a pipe, and which—

(a) is fixed to the seabed by means of steel jackets, concrete footings or any other means; or

(b) floats on the surface of the sea and is secured to the seabed by means of risers, anchors, or any other means, but

does not include an offshore installation to which paragraph (5) applies.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3) a fixed or floating production platform—

(a) includes—

(i) a non-production platform converted for use as a production platform for so long as it is so converted;

(ii) a production platform which has ceased production for so long as it is not converted to a non-production platform; and

(iii) a production platform which has not come into use; and

(b) does not include a production platform which, for a period of no more than 90 days, extracts sea-bed mineral resources from beneath the sea-bed for the purposes of well testing.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (1) to (4), and subject to paragraph (6), references to discharges of oil or oily mixtures are references to machinery space discharges and do not include discharges of production or displacement water, or offshore processing drainage.

(6) In the case of relevant discharges from—

(a) floating production, storage and offloading facilities; or

(b) floating storage units,

the Secretary of State must, in assessing compliance with paragraph (1), take account of the Guidelines for the Application of the Revised MARPOL Annex 1 Requirements to Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Facilities and Floating Storage Units M23 .

(7) For the purposes of paragraph (6), “relevant discharges” means discharges of oil or oily mixtures not discharged through the production stream which are—

(a) machinery space discharges; or

(b) discharges of contaminated seawater from operational purposes such as produced oil tank cleaning water, produced oil tank hydrostatic testing water or water from ballasting of a produced oil tank to carry out inspection by rafting.

Commencement Information

I33 Reg. 33 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M22 1964 c. 29. Section 1(7) is amended by the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982 (c. 23), Schedule 3, paragraph 1 and the Energy Act 2011 (c. 16), section 103. See the Continental Shelf (Designation of Areas) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3162).

M23 Adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMO on 22nd July 2005 by Resolution MEPC.139(53), amended by Resolution MEPC.142(54) adopted on 24th March 2006. Copies of the resolutions may be obtained from the IMO Library and in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

PART 7 U.K. Prevention of Pollution arising from an Oil Pollution Incident

Shipboard oil pollution emergency plan U.K.

34.—(1) Every—

(a) oil tanker of 150 GT and above; and

(b) ship (other than an oil tanker) of 400 GT and above,

must carry on board a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan approved by the Secretary of State.

(2) The plan referred to in paragraph (1) must be prepared in accordance with the guidelines for the Development of Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMO M24 .

(3) The plan must include—

(a) the procedure to be followed by the master or other persons having charge of the ship to report an oil pollution incident, as required by the Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) Regulations 1995 M25 and the Merchant Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004 M26 ;

(b) the list of persons (including national and local authorities) to be contacted in the event of an oil pollution incident;

(c) a detailed description of the action to be taken immediately by persons on board to reduce or control the discharge of oil following the incident; and

(d) the procedures and point of contact on the ship for co-ordinating shipboard action with national and local authorities in combating the pollution.

(4) In the case of ships to which regulation 17 of Annex II M27 of the Convention also applies, such a plan may be combined with the shipboard marine pollution emergency plan for noxious liquid substances required under that regulation.

(5) Where paragraph (4) applies the title of the combined plan must be the “Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan”.

(6) The owner and master of an oil tanker of 5,000 tonnes deadweight or more must ensure the ship has prompt access to computerised, shore-based damage stability and residual structural strength calculation programmes.

(7) In this Regulation “noxious liquid substance” has the meaning given in regulation 1 of Annex II of the Convention.

Commencement Information

I34 Reg. 34 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M24 See Resolution MEPC.54(32) adopted on 6 March 1992, as amended by Resolution MEPC.86(44) adopted on 13 March 2000. Copies of the resolutions may be obtained from the IMO Library at www.imo.org.en/MediaCentre/Pages/Default.aspx and in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

M25 S.I. 1995/2498, amended by S.I. 1999/2121; S.I. 2001/1638; S.I. 2004/2110; S.I. 2005/1092; S.I. 2008/3145; S.I. 2014/3306 and S.I. 2018/68.

M26 S.I. 2004/2110, amended by S.I. 2005/1092; S.I. 2008/3145: S.I. 2011/2616; S.I. 2014/3306; S.I. 2018/68 and, prospectively, by S.I. 2018/1221.

M27 Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk.

PART 8 U.K. Polar Code

Application of the Polar Code U.K.

35.—(1) This regulation applies to all ships operating in polar waters.

(2) The owner or master of a ship to which this regulation applies must ensure the ship complies with—

(a) the environment-related provisions of the Introduction; and

(b) Chapter 1 of part II-A,

of the Polar Code.

(3) In ensuring compliance with paragraph (2)(b) consideration must be given to the guidance in part II-B of the Polar Code.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation “polar waters” means the Antarctic area or Arctic waters.

Commencement Information

I35 Reg. 35 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 9 U.K. Enforcement

Inspection of ships U.K.

36.—(1) In so far as sections 258 (powers to inspect ships and their equipment, etc.) and 259 (powers of inspectors in relation to premises and ships) of the 1995 Act M28 apply in relation to a ship to which these Regulations apply, for the purpose of checking compliance with these Regulations those sections have effect subject to the following modifications.

(2) The powers referred to in paragraph (1) to inspect a ship and its equipment, any part of the ship, any articles on board and any documentation carried in the ship is limited to—

(a) verifying that there is on board a valid—

(i) IOPP certificate in the form prescribed in Appendix II to Annex I; or

(ii) UKOPP certificate in the form prescribed in regulation 13(3);

(b) verifying whether documentation referred to in regulation 19, where applicable, has been issued in respect of the ship and is still valid;

(c) investigating any operation regulated by these Regulations, if there are clear grounds for believing that the master or the crew are not familiar with essential shipboard procedures for preventing pollution by oil;

(d) verifying whether oil, oily mixture or oil residue (sludge) has been discharged from the ship in violation of these Regulations;

(e) inspecting the Oil Record Book; and

(f) inspecting the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan,

except where there are clear grounds for believing that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the appropriate certificate or other documentation referred to in sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (e) and (f).

(3) The powers referred to in paragraph (1) to go on board a ship may only be exercised if the ship in question is—

(a) in a port in the United Kingdom; or

(b) at an offshore installation in United Kingdom waters or controlled waters.

(4) Where a ship which is not a United Kingdom ship is inspected for the purpose of paragraph (2)(d), the person exercising the powers of inspection must ensure that the report of that inspection is sent to—

(a) the consul or diplomatic representative of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly or the appropriate maritime authorities of that State; and

(b) any other Party to the Convention that requested the inspection.

(5) Where Oil Record Book entries are inspected under paragraph (2)(e) the person exercising the power of inspection may—

(a) make a copy of any entry in that book; and

(b) require the master of the ship to certify that the copy is a true copy of the original.

(6) Any copy certified in accordance with paragraph (5) is admissible in any judicial proceeding as evidence of the facts stated in it.

(7) In this regulation “oil residue (sludge)” has the meaning given in regulation 1 of Annex I.

Commencement Information

I36 Reg. 36 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M28 Section 258 is amended by the Merchant Shipping and Maritime Security Act 1997 (c. 28), Schedule 1, paragraph 4, and Schedule 7, Part 1, and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (2012 c. 9), Schedule 2, Part 1 paragraph 2 and Schedule 10, Part 2.

Investigation of alleged violations by United Kingdom ships U.K.

37.  Upon receiving evidence that a substance has been discharged from a United Kingdom ship in violation of these Regulations the Secretary of State must—

(a) cause the matter to be investigated;

(b) inform the IMO of the action taken; and

(c) where another State has reported the violation, inform that State of the action taken.

Commencement Information

I37 Reg. 37 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

General provisions on detention U.K.

38.—(1) Where a determination is made of the kind mentioned in regulation 16(1) in relation to a ship, or a surveyor of ships has clear grounds for believing that—

(a) an IOPP or UKOPP certificate is required to have been issued in respect of a ship but has not been issued, or has been issued and is not valid;

(b) documentation referred to in regulation 19 (“appropriate documentation”) is required to have been issued in respect of a ship but has not been issued, or has been issued but is not valid;

(c) the condition of a ship or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of that certificate or other appropriate documentation;

(d) the master or crew of a ship are not familiar with essential shipboard procedures relating to the prevention of pollution by oil; or

(e) an offence under regulation 42 is being committed in respect of the ship,

the ship is liable to be detained until a surveyor of ships is satisfied that it can proceed to sea without presenting any unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) a person having powers to detain a ship may permit a ship which is liable to be detained under that paragraph to proceed to sea for the purposes of proceeding to the nearest appropriate repair yard available.

(3) Where a surveyor of ships has clear grounds for believing that an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27, 28, 29(1) to (3), 30(1) to (3), (5) and (6), 31 or 32 has been committed in respect of a ship, the ship is liable to be detained.

(4) The power under this regulation to detain a ship may only be exercised if the ship in question is—

(a) in a port in the United Kingdom; or

(b) at an offshore installation in United Kingdom waters or controlled waters.

(5) Section 284 of the 1995 Act M29 (enforcing detention of a ship) applies where a ship is liable to be detained under paragraph (1) or (3) as if—

(a) references to detention of a ship under the Act were references to detention of the ship in question under paragraph (1) or (3); and

(b) subsection (7) were omitted.

(6) Where a ship is liable to be detained under paragraph (1) or (3), the person detaining the ship must serve on the master of the ship a detention notice which—

(a) states the grounds of the detention; and

(b) requires the terms of the notice to be complied with until the ship is released by any person mentioned in section 284(1) of the 1995 Act.

(7) Where a ship other than a United Kingdom ship is detained, the Secretary of State must immediately inform the consul or diplomatic representative of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly or the appropriate maritime authorities of that State.

(8) Where a ship is detained under paragraph (3), a person having power to detain the ship must, at the request of the owner, manager, demise charterer or master, immediately release the ship—

(a) if no proceedings for an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27, 28, 29(1) to (3), 30(1) to (3), (5) and (6), 31 or 32 are instituted within the period of seven days beginning with the day on which the ship is detained;

(b) if proceedings for any such offence having been instituted within that period are concluded without the owner, manager, demise charterer or master being convicted;

(c) if either—

(i) the sum of £30,000 is paid to the Secretary of State by way of security; or

(ii) security which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, is satisfactory and is for an amount not less than £30,000 is given to the Secretary of State,

by or on behalf of the owner, manager, demise charterer or master;

(d) where the owner, manager, demise charterer or master is convicted of any such offence, if any costs or expenses ordered to be paid by that person, and any fine imposed on that person, have been paid; or

(e) the release is ordered by a court or tribunal referred to in Article 292 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and any bond or other financial security ordered by such court or tribunal is posted.

(9) The Secretary of State must repay any sum paid in pursuance of paragraph (8)(c) or release any security so given—

(a) if no proceedings for an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27, 28, 29(1) to (3), 30(1) to (3), (5) and (6), 31 or 32 are instituted within the period of seven days beginning with the day on which the sum is paid; or

(b) if proceedings for any such offence, having been instituted within that period, are concluded without the owner, manager, demise charterer or master being convicted.

(10) Where a sum has been paid, or security has been given, by any person in pursuance of paragraph (8)(c) and the owner, manager, demise charterer or master is convicted of an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulations 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27, 28, 29(1) to (3), 30(1) to (3), (5) and (6), 31 or 32, the sum so paid or the amount made available under the security must be applied as follows—

(a) first, in payment of any costs or expenses ordered by the court to be paid by the owner, manager, demise charterer or master; and

(b) next, in payment of any fine imposed by the court,

and any balance must be repaid to the first-mentioned person.

(11) Section 145 of the 1995 Act M30 (interpretation of section 144) applies for the purposes of paragraphs (8) to (10) as if—

(a) references to the master or owner of the ship were references to the owner, manager, demise charterer or master; and

(b) references to an offence under section 131 were references to an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27 or 28.

Commencement Information

I38 Reg. 38 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M29 Section 284 was amended by the Merchant Shipping and Maritime Security Act 1997 (c. 28), Schedule 1, paragraph 5, and S.I. 2015/664.

M30 Section 145 was amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), Schedule 36, Part 2, paragraph 13, and by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), Schedule 11, paragraph 16.

Power for harbour master to detain U.K.

39.—(1) Where the harbour master of a harbour in the United Kingdom has clear grounds for believing that an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27, 28, 29(1) to (3), 30(1) to (3), (5) and (6), 31 or 32 has been committed the harbour master may detain that ship.

(2) Section 144(2) and (3) of the 1995 Act (harbour master's power to detain ships for certain offences) applies to a detention under paragraph (1) as it applies to a detention under section 144(1) of the 1995 Act.

(3) Where a ship is liable to be detained under this regulation, the harbour master detaining the ship must serve on the master of the ship a detention notice which—

(a) states the grounds for the detention; and

(b) requires the terms of the notice to be complied with until the ship is released by the harbour authority.

(4) Where a ship is detained under paragraph (1), the harbour master must immediately release the ship—

(a) if no proceedings for an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27, 28, 29(1) to (3), 30(1) to (3), (5) and (6), 31 or 32 are instituted within the period of seven days beginning with the day on which the ship is detained;

(b) if proceedings for any such offence, having been instituted within that period, are concluded without the owner, manager, demise charterer or master being convicted;

(c) if either—

(i) the sum of £30,000 is paid to the harbour authority by way of security; or

(ii) security which, in the opinion of the harbour authority, is satisfactory and is for an amount not less than £30,000 is given to the harbour authority,

by or on behalf of the owner, manager, demise charterer or master;

(d) where the owner, manager, demise charterer or master is convicted of any such offence, if any costs or expenses ordered to be paid by that person, and any fine imposed on that person, have been paid; or

(e) if the release is ordered by a court or tribunal referred to in article 292 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, and any bond or other financial security ordered by such a court or tribunal is posted.

(5) The harbour authority must repay any sum paid in pursuance of paragraph (4)(c) or release any security so given—

(a) if no proceedings for an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27, 28, 29(1) to (3), 30(1) to (3), (5) and (6), 31 or 32 are instituted within the period of seven days beginning with the day on which the sum is paid; or

(b) if proceedings for any such offence, having been instituted within that period, are concluded without the owner, manager, demise charterer or master being convicted.

(6) Where a sum has been paid, or security has been given, by any person in pursuance of paragraph (4)(c) and the owner, manager, demise charterer or master is convicted of an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27, 28, 29(1) to (3), 30(1) to (3), (5) to (6), 31 or 32, the sum so paid or the amount made available under the security must be applied as follows—

(a) first, in payment of any costs or expenses ordered by the court to be paid by the owner, manager, demise charterer or master; and

(b) next, in payment of any fine imposed by the court,

and any balance must be repaid to the first-mentioned person.

(7) Section 145 of the 1995 Act (interpretation of section 144) applies for the purposes of paragraphs (4) to (6) as if—

(a) references to the master or owner of the ship were references to the owner, manager, demise charterer or master; and

(b) references to any offence under section 131 were references to an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulation 25(1) to (3), 25(6) and (7), 26(1) to (3), 26(8), 27 or 28.

Commencement Information

I39 Reg. 39 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Duty of harbour master to report deficient ships U.K.

40.  If the harbour master of a harbour in the United Kingdom has reason to believe that a ship is about to enter or leave the harbour and does not comply with the requirements of these Regulations, the harbour master must immediately report the matter to the Secretary of State.

Commencement Information

I40 Reg. 40 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Right of appeal and compensation U.K.

41.—(1) Regulations 15 and 16 of the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2011 M31 (arbitration and compensation) apply in relation to the exercise of the powers of detention under these Regulations as they apply in relation to the exercise of those powers under Part 1 of those Regulations, subject to the modifications in paragraph (2).

(2) The modifications are—

(a) references to “inspector” are to be read as references to the authority detaining the ship or the harbour master, as the case may be;

(b) references to—

(i) “issue of a refusal of access notice” (regulation 16(1));

(ii) “refusal of access” (regulation 15(2));

(iii) “refusal of access notice” (regulations 15 and 16);

(iv) “served with a refusal of access notice” (regulation 15(4)); and

(v) “service of a refusal of access notice” (regulation 15(7)),

are omitted; and

(c) in regulation 16(2) after the word “State”, insert “ , except where the ship is detained by a harbour master, in which case any compensation awarded under this section is payable by the harbour authority. ”.

Commencement Information

I41 Reg. 41 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M31 S.I. 2011/2601. Regulation 15 is amended prospectively by S.I. 2018/1122. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

Offences U.K.

42.—(1) Any contravention of—

(a) regulation 6, 11(1) to (4), 16(2) or (4), 19, 34(6) or 35 is an offence by the owner and by the master of the ship in question;

(b) regulation 15(4), 20, 25, 26, 27(3), 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 or 34(1) to (3) is an offence by the owner, manager, demise charterer and master of the ship in question;

(c) regulation 16(3) is an offence by the person in question.

(2) Any failure by a master to comply with a requirement under regulation 36(5)(b) is an offence.

(3) An offence under paragraph (1) or (2) is punishable—

(a) on summary conviction—

(i) in England and Wales, by a fine; or

(ii) in Scotland and Northern Ireland by a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or

(b) on conviction on indictment by a fine.

Commencement Information

I42 Reg. 42 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Service of documents on foreign companies U.K.

43.  Section 143(6) of the 1995 Act M32 (service of documents on foreign companies required or authorised by any statutory provision in connection with proceedings for an offence under section 131 of the 1995 Act) applies to proceedings for an offence under these Regulations as it applies to proceedings for an offence under section 131 as if—

(a) the reference to section 131 was a reference to these Regulations;

(b) in the case of an offence in respect of a ship other than an offshore installation, the reference to the owner was a reference to the owner, manager or demise charterer; and

(c) in the case of an offence in respect of an offshore installation the reference to—

(i) the owner of the ship was a reference to the owner of the offshore installation; and

(ii) the master of the ship was a reference to the manager of the offshore installation.

Commencement Information

I43 Reg. 43 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M32 Section 143(6) is amended by S.I. 2009/1941.

Enforcement and application of fines U.K.

44.  Section 146 of the 1995 Act (enforcement and application of fines) applies to any fine for an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulations 25 to 35 as if—

(a) in subsection (1) of that section the reference to proceedings against the owner or master of a ship for an offence under Chapter 2 of the 1995 Act were a reference to proceedings against the owner, manager, demise charterer or master for an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulations 25 to 35; and

(b) in subsection (2) of that section, the reference to an offence under section 131 were a reference to an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulations 25 to 28.

Commencement Information

I44 Reg. 44 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Restriction on jurisdiction over offences outside United Kingdom limits U.K.

45.—(1) In the case of a contravention of any of regulations 25 to 28 in respect of a ship which is not a United Kingdom ship in the internal waters, territorial sea or exclusive economic zone of a foreign State, proceedings in respect of that offence must not be instituted in the United Kingdom unless—

(a) that foreign State, the flag State of the ship in question or a State polluted or threatened with pollution as a result of the offence requests that proceedings be taken; or

(b) the offence has caused or is likely to cause oil pollution in controlled waters or United Kingdom waters.

(2) Where proceedings have been instituted but not concluded, they must be suspended upon the request of the foreign State in question and the Secretary of State must send all the evidence, court records and documents relating to the case, together with any sum paid or security given, to the foreign State.

(3) In this regulation—

“exclusive economic zone”, in relation to a foreign state, means the area beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea of that State, but not extending beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured; and

“foreign State” means a State other than the United Kingdom.

Commencement Information

I45 Reg. 45 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Suspension of proceedings at flag State request U.K.

46.—(1) This regulation applies to proceedings instituted but not concluded in the United Kingdom in respect of a contravention of any of regulations 25 to 28 committed outside United Kingdom waters by a ship which is not a United Kingdom ship.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), any proceedings must be suspended if the court is satisfied that the flag State in question has instituted proceedings corresponding to the proceedings in the United Kingdom in respect of the contravention of that provision within six months of the institution of the proceedings by the United Kingdom.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply—

(a) where the contravention of any of regulations 25 to 28 resulted in serious pollution to the United Kingdom; or

(b) if the Secretary of State certifies that the flag State in question has repeatedly disregarded its obligation to enforce effectively the requirements of the Convention in respect of its ships.

(4) Where proceedings instituted by the flag State have been brought to a conclusion, the suspended proceedings must be terminated.

Commencement Information

I46 Reg. 46 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Defences U.K.

47.—(1) In any proceedings for an offence under these Regulations, it is a defence for the person charged to prove that person took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to ensure that the regulation in question was complied with.

(2) Without prejudice to paragraph (1), in any proceedings for an offence comprising a contravention of any of regulations 25 to 28 it is a defence for the person charged to prove that—

(a) the ship was not a United Kingdom ship;

(b) the discharge took place in waters that were neither controlled waters nor United Kingdom waters; and

(c) the ship was in a port in the United Kingdom at the time of the institution of the proceedings by reason only of stress of weather or any other reason beyond the control of the master or owner or any charterer or manager.

Commencement Information

I47 Reg. 47 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Review U.K.

48.—(1) The Secretary of State must from time to time—

(a) carry out a review of the regulatory provisions contained in these Regulations; and

(b) publish a report setting out the conclusions of the review.

(2) The first report must be published before 1st March 2024.

(3) Subsequent reports must be published at intervals not exceeding five years.

(4) Section 30(3) of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 M33 requires that a review carried out under this regulation must, so far as is reasonable, have regard to how the obligations under Annex I are implemented in other countries which are subject to the obligations.

(5) Section 30(4) of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 requires that a report published under this regulation must, in particular—

(a) set out the objectives intended to be achieved by the regulatory provisions referred to in paragraph (1)(a);

(b) assess the extent to which those objectives are achieved;

(c) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate; and

(d) if those objectives remain appropriate, assess the extent to which they could be achieved in another way which involves less onerous regulatory provision.

(6) In this regulation, “regulatory provision” has the same meaning as in sections 28 to 32 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (see section 32 of that Act).

Commencement Information

I48 Reg. 48 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M33 2015 c. 26. Section 30(3) was amended by the Enterprise Act 2016 (c. 12), section 19 and the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16), Schedule 8, Part 2, paragraph 36.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport

Nusrat Ghani

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Department for Transport

We consent

Paul Maynard

Rebecca Harris

Two of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury

Regulation 1(2) and (3)

SCHEDULE U.K. Part 1: Amendments

The Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) Regulations 1995 U.K.

1.  In regulation 2(2) (interpretation and revocation) of the Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) Regulations 1995 M34 , in the definition of “permitted level”—

(a) omit “the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996 or”; and

(b) at the end insert “ or the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 ”.

Commencement Information

I49 Sch. para. 1 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M34 S.I. 1995/2498. The definition of “permitted level” was inserted by S.I. 1999/2121 and amended by S.I. 2018/68. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

The Merchant Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004 U.K.

2.  In regulation 12(10)(ca) (reporting of incidents and accidents at sea) of the Merchant Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004 M35 , in the definition of “permitted level”—

(a) omit “the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996 or”; and

(b) after “the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution from Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) Regulations 2018” insert “ or the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 ”.

Commencement Information

I50 Sch. para. 2 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M35 S.I. 2004/2110. The definition of “permitted level” was inserted by S.I. 2005/1092 and amended by S.I. 2018/68. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 U.K.

3.  In regulation 3 (discharge permits) of the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 M36 , for paragraph (2) substitute—

“(2) The following are exempt from the requirement for a permit—

(a) discharges regulated by—

(i) the Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 M37 ; or

(ii) the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage and Garbage from Ships) Regulations 2008 M38 ; and

(b) discharges of oil or oily mixtures regulated by regulation 33 of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 with the exception of any of the following discharges of oil or oily mixtures made from floating production, storage and offloading facilities or floating storage units through the production stream—

(i) machinery space discharges; or

(ii) discharges of contaminated sea water from operational purposes such as produced oil tank cleaning water, produced oil tank hydrostatic testing water or water from ballasting of a produced oil tank to carry out inspection by rafting.”.

Commencement Information

I51 Sch. para. 3 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M36 S.I. 2005/2055. Paragraph (2) was amended by S.I 2011/983. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

M37 S.I. 2002/1355, amended by S.I. 2005/2055; S.I. 2010/1513; S.I. 2011/982; S.I. 2016/912 and S.I. 2017/404.

M38 S.I. 2008/3257, amended by S.I. 2010/897; S.I. 2011/3056; S.I. 2014/3306; S.I. 2016/1025 and S.I. 2018/1104.

The Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 U.K.

4.  In Schedule 2 (enactments in relation to which duty in regulation 4 applies) to the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 M39 —

(a) omit the reference to “The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996”; and

(b) at the end insert—

“The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019”.

Commencement Information

I52 Sch. para. 4 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M39 S.I. 2010/1627. There are amendments to this Schedule but none is relevant.

The Environmental Regulation (Significant Environmental Harm) (Scotland) Order 2014 U.K.

5.  In the Schedule (specified enactments) to the Environmental Regulation (Significant Environmental Harm) (Scotland) Order 2014 M40 —

(a) omit paragraph 8; and

(b) at the end insert—

“20.   The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019.”.

Commencement Information

I53 Sch. para. 5 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M40 S.S.I. 2014/324. New paragraph 19 is inserted by S.S.I. 2018/219. There are other amendments to this Schedule but none is relevant.

The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 U.K.

6.  In regulation 6(2) (duty of competent authorities) of the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 M41 , for the entry in sub-paragraph (j) substitute “ the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 ”.

Commencement Information

I54 Sch. para. 6 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M41 S.I. 2017/1013.

The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution from Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) Regulations 2018 U.K.

7.  In regulation 30(3) (marine pollution emergency plan) of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution from Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) Regulations 2018 M42 for “regulation 33 of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996” substitute “ regulation 34 of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 ”.

Commencement Information

I55 Sch. para. 7 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M42 S.I. 2018/68.

The Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2018 U.K.

8.  In the Table in paragraph 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (fees under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995) to the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2018 M43 , for the entry under heading J (prevention and control of pollution) relating to the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996—

(a) in column 1, substitute “ The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 ”;

(b) in column 2, substitute “ S.I. 2019/42 ”; and

(c) in column 3, substitute “ None ”.

Commencement Information

I56 Sch. para. 8 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M43 S.I. 2018/1104.

Part 2: Revocations U.K.

Commencement Information

I57 Sch. Pt. 2 in force at 1.3.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Regulations revoked	References	Extent of revocation
The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996	S.I. 1996/2154	The whole Regulations
The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 1997	S.I. 1997/1910	The whole Regulations
The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2000	S.I. 2000/483	The whole Regulations
The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2004	S.I. 2004/303	The whole Regulations
The Merchant Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004	S.I. 2004/2110	Regulation 22(3)
The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2005	S.I. 2005/1916	The whole Regulations
The Merchant Shipping (Implementation of Ship-Source Pollution Directive) Regulations 2009	S.I. 2009/1210	Regulation 4
The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution) (Limits) Regulations 2014	S.I. 2014/3306	Schedule 2, paragraph 2
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015	S.I. 2015/664	Schedule 4, paragraph 55
The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016	S.I. 2016/1025	Schedule, paragraph 1

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations implement Annex I (Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil) of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (“the MARPOL Convention”). Annex I first entered into force on 2nd October 1983, and the revised version of the Annex which these Regulations implement entered into force on 1st January 2007. Further amendments have been made to the Annex which are also implemented by these Regulations. As a consequence the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/2154) and other instruments which amend them are revoked, and other legislation is amended (regulation 1(2) and (3) and the Schedule).

Part 1 contains an ambulatory reference provision (regulation 4) which means that references to provisions in the MARPOL Convention and other relevant instruments which are specified in this instrument are to be read as references to those instruments as amended from time to time. This means that amendments to these provisions will be automatically incorporated into these Regulations.

Part 2 provides for the survey and certification of ships, and requires such vessels to be provided with an Oil Record Book (regulation 20).

Part 3 prohibits the discharge into the sea of oil from certain ships other than in prescribed circumstances.

Part 4 prescribes requirements as to the construction, provision of equipment and operation of the machinery space which ships must satisfy, and Part 5 makes similar provision in respect of the cargo areas of oil tankers.

Part 6 specifies the requirements which apply to offshore installations, and Part 7 requires oil tankers of 150 GT and above, and other ships of 400 GT and above, to carry a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan approved by the Secretary of State.

Part 8 applies to ships operating in Polar waters (the Arctic waters and Antarctic area) and requires compliance with prescribed provisions in the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (the Polar Code). The Polar Code came into force on 1st January 2017.

Part 9 makes provision in relation to powers of inspection and detention of ships. Provision is also made for jurisdiction over offences committed outside United Kingdom waters (regulation 45) and for suspension of proceedings at the request of a flag State (regulation 46).

The Secretary of State must review the operation and effect of these Regulations and publish a report within five years after they come into force and within every five years thereafter (regulation 48). Following such a review it will fall to the Secretary of State to consider whether the Regulations should remain as they are, or be revoked or amended. A further instrument would be needed to revoke the Regulations or to amend them.

The MARPOL Convention, the RO Code and the Polar Code can be obtained from IMO Publishing, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR; www.imo.org/publications; email: [e-mail]; telephone: [phone]. Resolutions of the IMO can be obtained from the IMO Library at the same address as IMO Publications and from www.imo.org.en/MediaCentre/Pages/Default.aspx, email: [e-mail]; telephone: [phone]. Hard copies of the resolutions can be obtained from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (an executive agency of the Department for Transport) at Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1EG, Tel: [phone], email: [e-mail]. Other than where specified in this instrument, copies of the Command Papers referred to are not available electronically but are available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London, SW1A 0PW; email [e-mail]: telephone: [phone]. Such Command Papers may be available electronically in the future on the FCO Treaty Database (https://treaties.fco.gov.uk).

Future amendments to the MARPOL Convention may be obtained in copy from the IMO and, after coming into force in the United Kingdom, found on the FCO Treaty Database. Until such publication is made on that site, copies of such amendments will be available from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Copies of other documents to which the ambulatory reference provision applies may be obtained from IMO Publishing or, where such amendments are made by resolution, from the IMO Library or the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. An amendment to which the ambulatory reference provision applies will be publicised in advance of its in force date by means of a Parliamentary Statement to both Houses of Parliament and by way of a Marine Guidance Notice, which will be available from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Information supporting these Regulations may be published in a Marine Guidance Notice, Marine Shipping Notice or Marine Information Notice. Such notices are published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Copies may be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/topic/ships-cargoes/m-notices and there is provision to subscribe to email alerts alerting the user to new notices. Hard copies may be obtained from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

A copy of the UNCLOS Convention may be obtained from http://treaties.fco.gov.uk/docs/pdf/1999/TS0081.pdf. or from the United Nations at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, Room DC2-0450, United Nations, New York, NY 10017: telephone [phone]: email [e-mail], and at http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no significant impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen. A de minimis impact assessment is available from the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR and is published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside this instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.