Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations further amend the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 1996.

In the case of certificates issued pursuant to the “Radio Rules” (i.e. the statutory instruments relating to radio installations and navigational equipment on merchant ships and fishing vessels), where a survey was performed abroad by a locally appointed surveyor, the hourly rates applicable to work involved in the issue of a certificate are increased from £23 (for fishing vessels) and from £26 (for other ships) to £32 in each case.

The Regulations make increases in the hourly rates charged for services in relation to the Radio Rules by increasing the hourly survey rates of £24.60 in respect of fishing vessels and £27.90 in respect of other ships, to £32.00 in each case. They also increase the flat rate charged for administrative and other work from £32.00 to £50.00.

The Regulations make changes to certain charges for additional services, under Part XII as follows:

First column (radio surveys per hour, or part thereof, of fishing vessels):

old feenew fee
No feeNo fee
£23.66£32.00
£47.32£64.00
£23.66£32.00
£11.83£16.00
£23.66£32.00.

Second column (radio surveys per hour, or part thereof, of other ships):

old feenew fee
No feeNo fee
£26.75£32.00
£53.50£64.00
£26.75£32.00
£13.38£16.00
£26.75£32.00.

The Regulations also substitute a reference to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which was created on 1 April 1998 by the merger of the Marine Safety Agency and the Coastguard Agency.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been carried out and a copy placed in the library of both Houses of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Maritime Information Centre, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG (telephone 02380-329295).