Radio and navigation equipment standards for merchant ships These include a code of practice for vessels engaged in oil recovery and specialist guidance on standards for the construction and operation of special ship types and offshore support vessels. There are specialist construction standards which cover the different types of merchant vessel you may have. You can read more in Fishing vessels: classification, registration and inspection. These construction standards form the basis on which merchant ships are surveyed and certificated. This comprehensive legislation specifies construction standards, as well as safety issues ranging from bilge pumping to the prevention of fire hazards. The construction of UK merchant ships is controlled by the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) Regulations 1997. Merchant and special shipping construction standards This guide discusses the construction standards for merchant ships and special shipping, as well as standards for radio, navigation and marine equipment. However, there are also other regulations related to specific vessel types.
These IMO standards are usually agreed under European law before passing into UK legislation where amendments can be made.
Many of these are based on international standards agreed by member states of the International Maritime Organization ( IMO). The construction and operation of merchant ships is controlled by a wide range of legislation.
