UK Offence Report

The Merchant Shipping (Pilot Boats) Regulations 1991

UK Statutory Instrument 1991 No. 65 — creates 1 criminal offence.

1offences created
0recorded in force
1revoked
Made
14 January 1991
In force from
2 April 1991
Extent
Not stated
Subject
Transport: maritime, aviation, rail and harbours
Made under
Merchant Shipping Act 1979

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations) — published with the instrument by the department that made it. © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

These Regulations together with the related “Code of Practice for the Construction, Survey and Certification of Pilot Boats” referred to in the Regulations specify standards of construction for pilot boats which are intended to ensure the safe working of the boats within their designated areas of operation. Such boats are to be provided with efficient machinery and with equipment for life saving, electrical lighting, fire fighting, rescue and retrieval and first aid. Navigational and signalling equipment is to be provided and up to date charts for the area of operation are to be carried. VHF radio equipment must also be provided (regulation 3). The Regulations impose also the requirement that every pilot boat shall be normally manned by at least two crew members to assist the pilot when boarding and landing (regulation 4). The Regulations provide for the survey and certification of pilot boats. New pilot boats are to be surveyed before entering service and existing pilot boats within eighteen months of the coming into force of the Regulations. On successful completion of an initial survey the Certifying Authority will grant a Pilot Boat Certificate valid for a period of four years (regulation 7). There is also provision for an intermediate survey (regulation 6). Surveys are in all cases to be carried out by marine surveyors nominated by the Secretary of State. In the event of corrective action needing to be taken following survey the surveyor may specify a period in which that action shall be taken. If at the end of that period the action has not been taken the Secretary of State may suspend the validity of the Pilot Boat Certificate (regulation 9). The Regulations provide for offences and penalties in connection with breaches of the Regulations (regulation 11). The Code of Practice is obtainable from HMSO and Merchant Shipping Notices are obtainable from the Department of Transport Library, Sunley House, 90 High Holborn, London WCIV 6LP and from any Department of Transport Marine Office.

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