Designation of nominated bodies
15.—(1) The Secretary of State may designate any person as a nominated body to carry out the procedures specified in section 12 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1908 (M+F).
(2) A designation must be made in writing and set out—
(a)the functions to be performed by the nominated body; and
(b)any time limit or condition which applies to the designation.
(3) The Secretary of State may withdraw a designation—
(a)on request by the nominated body; or
(b)where the nominated body fails to comply with any time limit or condition imposed under paragraph (2) above.
(4) The Secretary of State may vary a designation—
(a)on request by the nominated body; or
(b)where it appears necessary or expedient to do so.
(5) The Secretary of State may inspect a nominated body to ensure it is performing its functions—
(a)under regulation 18 (grant of type approval: obligations of nominated bodies); and
(b)in accordance with the conditions of its designation.
(6) Where a person applies for designation under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State must inform that person in writing of the reasons for—
(a)refusing to designate that person as a nominated body; or
(b)imposing any condition more onerous than proposed by the applicant.
(7) The Secretary of State must inform a nominated body in writing of the reasons for withdrawing or varying a designation.