Citation, commencement, interpretation and revocation

1.-(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Gas Carriers) Regulations 1994 and shall come into force on 1st October 1994.

(2) In these Regulations:-

"the 1974 SOLAS Convention" means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended(2);

"Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate", "Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate", "Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate" and "Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelephony Certificate" mean respectively the certificates so entitled, issued in conformity with the 1974 SOLAS Convention and, in the case of a United Kingdom ship, under or pursuant to the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 1994;

"constructed" means, in relation to a ship, having its keel laid or being at a similar stage of construction; and "similar stage of construction" means the stage at which-

"1986-1994 gas carrier" means-

"gas carrier" means a self-propelled cargo ship constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquefied gas listed in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code or any other substance so listed;

"the IBC Code" means, in relation to 1986-1994 gas carriers the 1983 IBC Code, and in relation to new gas carriers, the 1994 IBC Code;

"the IGC Code" means, in relation to 1986-1994 gas carriers, the 1983 IGC Code and in relation to new gas carriers, the 1993 IGC Code;

"in bulk" means directly and without intermediate form of containment in a tank forming an integral part of, or permanently located on, a ship;

"International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk" means, in relation to a United Kingdom ship, a certificate issued pursuant to regulation 5 and, in relation to any other ship, a certificate issued in conformity with Chapter 1 of the IGC Code by or on behalf of the Administration of the State in which the ship is registered.

"new gas carrier" means-

"1983 IBC Code" means the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk published by the International Maritime Organisation in 1983;

"1994 IBC Code" means the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk published by the International Maritime Organisation in 1994;

"1983 IGC Code" means the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk published by the International Maritime Organisation in 1983;

"1993 IGC Code" means the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk published by the International Maritime Organisation in 1993.

(3) In interpreting the IGC Code-

(a)the requirements of the IGC Code having been made mandatory under regulation 3 the language thereof shall be construed accordingly;

(b)the definitions set out in Chapter 1, paragraph 1.3 thereof, shall apply;

(c)references to the Administration shall, in relation to United Kingdom ships, be references to the Secretary of State; and references to the Port Administration shall, in relation to all ships in the United Kingdom, be references to the Secretary of State;

(d)references to the 1974 SOLAS Convention mean references to the Convention as defined in these Regulations.

(4) In interpreting the 1983 IGC Code-

(a)in paragraph 2.7.8.1, the number "2.9.1.2.1"shall be read as "2.9.2.1"; in paragraph 4.2.2.3, last line, "1 mm" shall be read as "10 mm"; in paragraph 5.2.1.1, first line, "this section" shall be read as "sections 5.2-5.5";

• in paragraph 5.4.6.3.1, second line, "service temperatures" shall be read as "design temperatures";

• in paragraph 11.1.1.1, the number "56.4" shall be read as "56.6";

• in paragraph 14.2.3.1, first line, "one set" shall be read as "one spare set";

(b)the number of firemen's outfits required pursuant to paragraph 11.6.1 shall, for ships below 2000m³ total cargo capacity, be 4.

(5) Any reference in these Regulations to any of the following-

(a)the IBC Code;

(b)the IGC Code;

(c)1974 SOLAS Convention;

shall include a reference to any document amending it which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time and is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice.

(6) The Merchant Shipping (Gas Carriers) Regulations 1986(3) are hereby revoked.

Application

2.-(1) These Regulations apply, subject to the following provisions of this regulation, to 1986-1994 gas carriers and to new gas carriers.

(2) Where a ship is constructed or adapted to carry one or more of the substances listed both in Chapter 17 of the IBC Code and in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code and is not constructed or adapted to carry any substance listed only in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code then these Regulations shall not apply to that ship.

(3) These Regulations apply to all ships specified in paragraph (1) which are United Kingdom ships wherever they may be and to other such ships while they are within the United Kingdom or the territorial waters thereof: provided that in the case of a ship registered in a State which is not a party to the 1974 SOLAS Convention they shall not apply by reason of its being in the United Kingdom or the territorial waters thereof if it would not have been there but for stress of weather or any circumstances which could not have been prevented by the owner, the master or the charterer (if any).

Compliance with the IGC Code

3. Every ship to which these Regulations apply shall be constructed, equipped and operated in accordance with the requirements relevant to it of Chapter 1, paragraphs 1.1.4.1-1.1.4.4 inclusive, and Chapters 2-19 inclusive of the IGC Code.

Survey requirements

4.-(1) The structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials (other than items in respect of which a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate or Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelephony Certificate is issued) of a gas carrier shall be subjected to the following surveys:

(a)an initial survey before the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk is issued for the first time, which shall include a complete examination of its structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials in so far as the ship is covered by the IGC Code; such a survey shall be such as to ensure that the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials fully comply with the applicable provisions of the IGC Code;

(b)a periodical survey at intervals not exceeding 5 years which shall be such as to ensure that the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials comply with the applicable provisions of the IGC Code;

(c)a minimum of one intermediate survey during the period of validity of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk; in cases where only one such intermediate survey is carried out in any one certificate validity period, it shall be held not before 6 months prior to, nor later than 6 months after, the half-way date of the certificate's period of validity; intermediate surveys shall be such as to ensure that the equipment and associated pump and piping systems comply with the applicable provisions of the IGC Code and are in good working order; a record of such surveys in the form entitled "Endorsement for Intermediate Surveys" set out in the appendix to the IGC Code shall be endorsed by the surveyor on the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk;

(d)an annual survey within 3 months before or after the anniversary date of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk which shall include a general examination to ensure that the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials remain in all respects satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended; a record of such survey in the form entitled "Endorsement for Mandatory Annual Surveys" set out in the appendix to the IGC Codes shall be endorsed by the surveyor on the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk;

(e)an additional survey, either general or partial according to the circumstances, shall be made when it has been determined under regulation 6(3) to be necessary, or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made; such a survey shall ensure that the necessary repairs or renewals have been effectively made, that the materials and workmanship of such repairs or renewals are satisfactory, and that the ship is fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board; a record of such survey shall be endorsed by the surveyor on the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk certifying that on completion of the survey the ship complied with the relevant provisions of the IGC Code.

(2) Every such survey of a United Kingdom ship shall be carried out by a surveyor appointed by the Secretary of State.

Issue of International Certificate of Fitness

5.-(1) Upon satisfactory completion of an initial or periodical survey the Secretary of State shall issue to a ship which complies with the relevant requirements of the IGC Code a certificate called an International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk, the model form of which is set out in the appendix to the IGC Code.

(2) A certificate shall cease to be valid-

(a)if any survey required by regulation 4(1)(c) or (d) is not completed within the period specified for that survey;

(b)if any survey required by regulation 4(1)(e) is not completed within such reasonable time as the surveyor may specify; or

(c)upon transfer of the ship to registry in another State.

(3) In either of the cases specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (2) the owner shall deliver up the certificate issued in relation to the ship to the Secretary of State on demand.

(4) In the case of a ship which has transferred from registry in another State to registry in the United Kingdom the Secretary of State may, subject to such requirements as to survey or otherwise as he may think fit, if he is satisfied that, notwithstanding that the surveys were not carried out as required by regulation 4(2)-

(a)the ship has already been subjected to a satisfactory initial or periodical survey and to any intermediate, annual or additional surveys required; and

(b)the ship was issued by or on behalf of the Administration of that other State with a certificate of fitness which would, but for the change of registry, have remained valid; and

(c)the condition of the ship and its equipment has been maintained in conformity with the provisions of the IGC Code; and

(d)since completion of the surveys referred to in sub-paragraph (a) no change has been made in the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials covered by those surveys, without the sanction of the Administration of that other State or of the Secertary of State, except by direct replacement;

issue to that ship an International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk for a period to be determined by the Secretary of State, but not extending beyond the expiry date of the certificate referred to in sub-paragraph (b).

(5) The International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk shall be kept on board ship and shall be available for inspection at all reasonable times.

Maintenance of condition after survey

6.-(1) The condition of a gas carrier and its equipment shall be maintained so as to conform to the provisions of the IGC Code.

(2) After any survey of the ship under regulation 4 has been completed, no change shall be made in the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials covered by the survey, without the sanction of the Secretary of State, except by direct replacement.

(3) Whenever an accident occurs to a ship or a defect is discovered, either of which affects the safety of the ship or crew, the master or owner of the ship shall report at the earliest opportunity to the Secretary of State, who shall determine whether an additional survey is necessary. If the ship is in a port of another State, the master or owner shall also report immediately to the appropriate authority of the government of the State in which the port is situated.

Equivalents

7.-(1) Where the IGC Code requires that a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment or type thereof should be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular provision should be made, or any procedure or arrangement should be complied with, the Secretary of State shall allow any other fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment or type thereof to be fitted or carried, or any other provision, procedure or arrangement to be made in that ship, if he is satisfied by trial thereof or otherwise that such fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment or type thereof, or that any particular provision, procedure or arrangement is at least as effective as that required by the IGC Code.

(2) For the purposes of these Regulations, the results of a verification or test shall be accepted if the verification or test is carried out-

(a)in accordance with these Regulations or with a standard, code of practice, specification or technical description of a member State, other than the United Kingdom offering equivalent levels of safety, suitability and fitness for purpose; and

(b)by a body or laboratory of a member State other than the United Kingdom offering suitable and satisfactory guarantess of technical and professional competence and independence.

Exemptions

8. The Secretary of State may exempt any ship from any of the requirements of the IGC Code, subject to such conditions as he may specify, and may alter or cancel any exemption so granted.

Loading and carriage in bulk of dangerous substances

9.-(1) No ship to which these Regulations apply shall load in bulk or carry in bulk any of the substances listed in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code unless-

(a)there is in force in respect of that ship a valid International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk covering the substance which the ship is loading or carrying; or

(b)the Secretary of State has given approval to its carriage.

(2) Any approval in pursuance of this regulation shall be given in writing and shall specify the date on which it takes effect and the conditions (if any) on which it is given.

Penalties

10.-(1) (a) If there is a breach of regulation 3, 6 or 9 in relation to a ship then the owner and master of the ship shall each be guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or, on indictment, to a fine.

(b)If there is a breach of regulation 4(2) of these Regulations then the owner of a ship shall commit an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or, on indictment, to a fine.

(2) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under these Regulations to prove that he took all reasonable steps to ensure that the Regulations were complied with.

Power to detain

11. In any case where a ship does not comply with the requirements of these Regulations the ship shall be liable to be detained and section 692(1) to (3) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894(4) (which relates to the detention of a ship) shall have effect in relation to the ship, subject to the modification that for the words "this Act" wherever they appear, there shall be substituted the words "the Merchant Shipping (Gas Carriers) Regulations 1994."

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations replace the Merchant Shipping (Gas Carriers) Regulations 1986.

These Regulations require gas carriers built on or after 1 July 1986, but before 1st October 1994, and ships converted during that period into gas carriers, to comply with the provisions of the 1983 edition of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (the IGC Code). Gas carriers built or converted on or after 1st October 1994 are similarly required to comply with the 1993 edition of the IGC Code. The 1993 edition of the IGC Code incorporates amendments adopted by the Marine Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization. The MSC adopted the amendments at its 61st session (December 1992) by resolution MSC 30(61).

Copies of the 1974 SOLAS Convention and the IGC Codes can be obtained from the International Maritime Organisation, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.

Merchant Shipping Notices can be obtained from the Marine Safety Agency, Department of Transport, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG, or any Marine Office of the Marine Safety Agency.