Have your say on new rules around construction for cargo and passenger ships

Plans to update UK law around rules governing the construction, stability and equipment of cargo and passenger ships are going out to public consultation.

It is all part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s commitment to ensuring seafarer and passenger safety and to the protection of the marine environment.

The laws would cover updated international rules on structure of ships, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations, unattended machinery spaces, alternative design and arrangements, and low-flashpoint fuels. The rules will also include operational requirements.









Katy Ware, Director of UK Maritime Services, said:

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of life at sea, and by updating the legislation relating to the construction requirements for cargo and passenger ships we are improving the safety not only of ships and those on board them, operating under the UK flag, but also for other ships operating in UK waters.

"This is an international standard to which convention vessels should be operating in any event, but this updated UK legislation will make it absolutely clear what is expected. UK requirements will now clearly demonstrate the standards required both by us, and internationally.”

It is planned to bring the rules into UK law later this year (2022).

Consultation on The Merchant Shipping (Cargo and passenger ship construction and miscellaneous amendments) Regulations 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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