The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) (Amendment) Rules 1998

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules give effect in part, in relation to sea-going United Kingdom fishing vessels, to the European Communities Council Directive 93/103/EC of 23rd November 1993 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for work on board fishing vessels. They do so by further amending the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975 (“SPR”).

The amendments implement certain requirements in parts of Annexes I (new fishing vessels, i.e. constructed on or after 23rd November 1995), II (existing vessels) and III and IVof the Directive relating to the following matters—

(a) seaworthiness and stability (Annexes I and II, section 1) (rule 8, SPR new rule 16A);

(b) mechanical and installations (Annexes I and II, section 2) (rules 10-13 and 17, SPR new rules 41A, 42A, 51(3), 54A(1) and (2) and 72(A));

(c) emergency routes and exits (Annexes I and II, section 4) (rule 14, SPR new rule 60A);

(d) fire detection and fire fighting (Annexes I and II, section 5) (rule 18, SPR new rule 106A);

(e) decks, bulkheads and deckheads (Annexes I and II, section 9) (rule 15, SPR new rule 65A(1));

(f) traffic routes—danger areas (Annexes I and II, section 11), (rule 15, SPR new rule 63A);

(g) layout of workstations (Annexes I and II, section 12) (rules 9 and 13, SPR new rule 20A and 54B);

(h) accommodation ladders and gangways (Annexes I and II, section 16) (rule 16, SPR new rule 65A(4));

(i) musters and drills (Annex III, section 5) (rule 19, SPR new rule 119);

(j) personal protective equipment (Annex IV) (rule 15, SPR new rule 65B);

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