The Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 1996

4.—(1) This paragraph shall apply in relation to any service mentioned in paragraph 3 (a), (b), (d), (e) or (f) above which is provided in pursuance of an application made with a view to showing compliance with, or seeking exemption from, any requirement imposed by any of the statutory instruments listed in paragraph 1(2) above other than the Merchant Shipping (Radio) (Fishing Vessels) Rules 1974.

(2) In respect of each such service a fee shall be payable by virtue of this paragraph so far as a fee would not otherwise be payable; and in the following provisions of this paragraph a reference to a fee is a reference to a fee in respect of such a service, whether payable by virtue of this paragraph or otherwise.

(3) Subject to the following sub-paragraphs a fee shall be paid when application for the service is made and the applicant is informed of the amount thereof and shall be calculated by reference to the Secretary of State’s estimate of the duration of the work likely to be required in consequence of the application at the appropriate hourly rate specified in paragraph 2 above.

(4) If during the course of the work the Secretary of State estimates that the duration of the work likely to be required is greater than that estimated under sub-paragraph (3) above, the fee shall be recalculated by reference to that greater estimate, and the excess, if any, over the fee originally payable shall be paid by the applicant.

(5) If the duration of the work actually required in consequence of the application is greater or less than its estimated or re-estimated duration, the fee shall be recalculated by reference to the actual duration and the difference shall be paid by, or as the case may be, refunded to, the applicant.

(6) In the case of any service performed pursuant to rules 125A, 125B, 125C, 130 and 131 of the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975, sub-paragraph (3) above shall apply as if the reference to the Secretary of State were a reference to the appropriate Certifying Authority (within the meaning of those Rules).