These Regulations consolidate requirements in respect of ships of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres, Classes III to VI(A), and Classes VII to IX, XI and XII of under 500 tons which were contained in the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Regulations 1980 (S.I. 1980/544) as amended, the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction) Regulations 1980 (S.I. 1980/535) as amended, the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Regulations 1981 (S.I. 1981/572) as amended, the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) Regulations 1984 (S.I. 1984/1218) as amended and the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) (Ships built before 25th May 1980) Regulations 1985 (S.I. 1985/1218) as amended.

The Regulations implement (in part) the Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974 (SOLAS), as modified by its Protocol of 1978 and amended by amendments adopted in 1981, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1994.

Merchant Shipping Notices referred to in these Regulations are obtainable from distribution agents Eros Marketing Support Services Ltd, Unit B, Imber Court Trading Estate, Orchard Lane, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0BN (Telephone Number: 0181 957 5028).

Copies of the British Standard specifications and International Standards referred to in these Regulations may be obtained from any of the sale outlets operated by the British Standards Institution, or by post from the British Standards Institution at Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE (Telephone Number 01908 320066).

SOLAS, its Protocol, amendments to SOLAS IMO Publications and Resolutions are obtainable from the International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.