The Merchant Shipping (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 1997

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations revoke and replace with amendments the Prevention of Pollution (Reception Facilities) Order 1984 and the Merchant Shipping (Reception Facilities for Garbage) Regulations 1988 and amend the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 1996.

In addition to minor amendments, the Regulations make the following changes of substance. There is a requirement for harbour authorities to prepare a waste management plan (regulation 8) and a power whereby the Secretary of State may direct a terminal operator to prepare such a plan (regulation 9). The Secretary of State also has powers of direction in relation to the implementation of waste management plans (regulation 12).

Penalties are provided for failure to comply with certain requirements of the Regulations or any direction issued (regulation 14).

The amendment to the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 1996 provides for fees in connection with the preparation of waste management plans.

A compliance cost assessment has been produced and copies can be obtained from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Zone 4/12, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR (telephone: [phone]). A copy has been laid in the library of each House of Parliament.

Merchant Shipping Notices may be obtained from Eros Marketing Support Services, Unit B, Imber Court Trading Estate, Orchard Lane, East Molesley, Surrey KT8 0BN. Copies of the IMDG Code may be obtained from the International Maritime Organisation at 4, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.