Duration and validity of NLS certificates
18.—(1) Subject to the following paragraphs and to regulations 20(3) and 23(1), a relevant NLS certificate issued in respect of a United Kingdom NLS ship is valid for such period as is specified in the certificate, not exceeding five years beginning with the date of completion of the relevant initial or renewal survey which immediately preceded the issue of the certificate.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3) and regulation 19(9), where a relevant NLS renewal survey of a United Kingdom NLS ship is completed—
(a)within the final three month period; or
(b)after the expiry of the latest relevant NLS certificate,
the new relevant NLS renewal certificate issued following completion of the relevant NLS renewal survey is valid for such period as is specified in that certificate, beginning with the date of the completion of the relevant NLS renewal survey and ending with a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the previous relevant NLS certificate.
(3) A relevant NLS certificate issued in respect of a United Kingdom NLS ship ceases to be valid—
(a)if the ship is transferred to the flag of another State;
(b)if the ship is enabled to proceed to sea when—
(i)an important repair or renewal has been made to the ship; but
(ii)the requirements of regulation 14(3) have not been complied with;
(c)if a survey under regulations 9, 10, 11 or 12 is not completed in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations;
(d)if the relevant NLS certificate is not endorsed in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations;
(e)upon a new relevant NLS certificate being issued in respect of that ship; or
(f)upon the date of expiry of the certificate.
(4) Where a United Kingdom NLS ship is transferred to the flag of another Contracting State, and within three months after the date of transfer the Government of that State so requests, the Secretary of State must send that Government a copy of—
(a)the relevant NLS certificate issued in respect of that ship; and
(b)any current relevant survey report, if available, in respect of that ship.
(5) In this regulation any dispute as to whether a repair or renewal is an important repair or renewal is subject to the procedure prescribed in regulation 14(5) and (6), and—
“final three month period” means the period of three months ending on the date of expiry of the certificate in question; and
“important repair or renewal” has the meaning given in regulation 14(4).