The Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025

• Citation: S.I. 2025/1298
• Sections: 39

Section 1 Citation, commencement and extent

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025 and come into force on 19th January 2026.

(2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Section 2 Amendments

The amendments listed in the Schedule have effect.

Section 3 Interpretation

(1) In these Regulations—

“ cargo ship ” means any ship which is not a passenger ship, a high speed cargo craft or a special purpose ship;

“ Chapter I ” means Chapter I in the Annex to the Convention (general provisions) ;

“ Chapter X ” means Chapter X in the Annex to the Convention (safety measures for high speed craft) ;

“ Chapter XV ” means Chapter XV in the Annex to the Convention (safety measures for ships carrying industrial personnel) ;

“ constructed ” means, with respect to a ship, that the keel is laid or that the ship is at a similar stage of construction;

“ Convention ” means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 ;

“ crew ” means all persons carried on board a ship to provide navigation and maintenance of the ship, its machinery, systems and arrangements essential for propulsion and safe navigation or to provide services for other persons on board;

“ flag administration ” means, in relation to a ship, the administration of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly;

“ gross tonnage ” means gross tonnage as determined in accordance with regulation 6 or 12(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 1997 ;

“ high speed cargo craft ” means a high speed craft carrying not more than 12 passengers;

“ high speed craft ” has the meaning given to it in regulation 1.3 of Chapter X and includes hovercraft;

“ High-Speed Craft Code, 2000 ” means the Code described in regulation 1.2 of Chapter X and includes the amendments adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.537(107) ;

“ IMO ” means the International Maritime Organization, which is a special agency of the United Nations responsible for shipping safety and security and the prevention of pollution;

“ industrial personnel ” means a person who is transported or accommodated on board a ship for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed on board other ships or on offshore facilities;

“ IP Code ” means the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel ;

“ Merchant Shipping Notice ” means a notice described as such and issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (an executive agency of the Department for Transport) and includes a reference to any document amending or replacing that notice which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time and is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice;

“ non-United Kingdom ship ” means any ship other than a United Kingdom ship;

“ offshore industrial activities ” means the construction, maintenance, decommissioning, operation or servicing of offshore facilities related, but not limited to, exploration and exploitation of resources by the renewable or hydrocarbon energy sectors, aquaculture, ocean mining or similar activities;

“ passenger ” means a person other than—

the master and the members of the crew or other persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of that ship;

industrial personnel;

special personnel; or

a child under one year of age;

“ passenger ship ” means a ship which carries more than 12 passengers;

“ similar stage of construction ” means the stage at which—

construction identifiable with a specific cargo ship or high speed cargo craft begins; and

assembly of—

the cargo ship has commenced comprising at least 50 gross tonnage or one per cent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less; or

the high speed cargo craft has commenced comprising at least 50 gross tonnage or three per cent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less;

“ special personnel ” means a person who is carried on board a ship in connection with the special purpose of that ship or because of special work being carried out on board the ship, but who is not a member of the crew;

“ special purpose ship ” means a ship which is not a passenger ship and which carries on board an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of special personnel and passengers where at least one person is special personnel;

“ SPS Code 1983 ” means the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 1983, and includes the amendments adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.542(107) ;

“ SPS Code 2008 ” means the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008, and includes the amendments adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.543(107) ;

“ valid ” means in force.

(2) Any reference in these Regulations to the SPS Code 1983 or the SPS Code 2008 includes any amendment or replacement of that Code which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time and which is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice.

(3) Any reference in Part III, Part IV or Part V of the IP Code to a matter that is expressed as a matter that “should” be discharged must be read as a requirement to discharge.

(4) Any reference in Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983 or Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008 to a matter that is expressed as a matter that “should” be discharged must be read as a requirement to discharge.

(5) Any reference in these Regulations to a communication to be given “ in writing ” includes the provision of such communication by electronic mail, facsimile or other means, which is capable of producing a document containing the text of any communication and in a form sufficiently permanent to be used for subsequent reference.

Section 4 Application

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), these Regulations apply to—

(a) cargo ships that carry an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers where at least one person is industrial personnel;

(b) high speed cargo craft that carry an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers where at least one person is industrial personnel; and

(c) special purpose ships.

(2) These Regulations apply to the ships referred to in paragraph (1) which are—

(a) United Kingdom ships, wherever they may be; and

(b) non-United Kingdom ships while they are in United Kingdom waters.

(3) These Regulations do not apply to—

(a) ships of war and naval auxiliary ships;

(b) ships owned or operated by a State and engaged only on governmental non-commercial service;

(c) fishing vessels;

(d) ships not propelled by mechanical means;

(e) wooden ships of primitive build;

(f) pleasure vessels;

(g) ships solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America and the River St Lawrence as far east as a straight line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to West Point, Anticosti Island and, on the north side of Anticosti Island, the 63rd meridian;

(h) any high speed cargo craft which has been issued with a certificate under regulation 13A(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015 (issue of certificates to HSOSC);

(i) any ship which has been issued with a certificate under regulation 12(6) of the Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023 (issue of certificates to workboats).

(4) A non-United Kingdom ship flying the flag of a State which is not a party to the Convention is not subject to these Regulations if it would not have been in United Kingdom waters but for stress of weather or any other circumstances which the master, owner or charterer, if any, could not have prevented.

(5) Where persons are on board a ship as a consequence of—

(a) the circumstances described in paragraph (4); or

(b) an obligation laid upon the master to carry shipwrecked or other persons ,

those persons are not to be taken into account for the purpose of determining the application to that ship of any provision of these Regulations.

(6) For the purposes of this regulation—

“ fishing vessel ” means a ship used for catching fish, whales, seals, walrus or other living resources of the sea; and

“ pleasure vessel ” means—

any vessel which at the time it is being used is—

in the case of a vessel wholly owned by—

an individual or individuals, used only for the sport or pleasure of the owner or the immediate family or friends of the owner; or

a body corporate, used only for sport or pleasure and on which the persons on board are employees or officers of the body corporate, or their immediate family or friends; and

on a voyage or excursion which is one for which the owner does not receive money for or in connection with operating the vessel or carrying any person, other than as a contribution to the direct expenses of the operation of the vessel incurred during the voyage or excursion; or

any vessel wholly owned by or on behalf of a members’ club formed for the purpose of sport or pleasure which, at the time it is being used, is used only for the sport or pleasure of members of that club or their immediate family, and for the use of which any charges levied are paid into club funds and applied for the general use of the club,

where, in the case of any vessel referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), no other payments are made by or on behalf of users of the vessel, other than by the owner; and in this definition “ immediate family ” means, in relation to an individual, the spouse or civil partner of the individual, and a relative of the individual or the individual’s spouse or civil partner; and “ relative ” means brother, sister, ancestor or lineal descendant.

Section 5 Ambulatory reference

(1) In these Regulations, any reference to Chapter I, Chapter X, Chapter XV, the High-Speed Craft Code, 2000 or the IP Code is to be construed—

(a) as a reference to Chapter I, Chapter X, Chapter XV, the High-Speed Craft Code, 2000 or the IP Code as modified from time to time; and

(b) as, if Chapter I, Chapter X, Chapter XV, the High-Speed Craft Code, 2000 or the IP Code is replaced, a reference to the replacement.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), Chapter I, Chapter X, Chapter XV, the High-Speed Craft Code, 2000 or the IP Code is modified or replaced if the modification or replacement takes effect in accordance with Article VIII of the Convention.

(3) A modification or replacement of Chapter I, Chapter X, Chapter XV, the High-Speed Craft Code, 2000 or the IP Code has effect at the time such modification or replacement comes into force in accordance with Article VIII of the Convention.

Section 6 Exemptions

(1) The Secretary of State may exempt a ship or class of ship of 500 gross tonnage or more from any requirement of these Regulations—

(a) where the exemption is compatible with Chapter XV, the IP Code, the SPS Code 1983 or the SPS Code 2008, as the case may be; and

(b) if satisfied that compliance with such requirement is either impracticable or unreasonable in the case of that ship or class of ship.

(2) The Secretary of State may exempt a ship or class of ship which is less than 500 gross tonnage from any requirement of these Regulations, if satisfied that compliance with such requirement is either impracticable or unreasonable in the case of that ship or class of ship.

(3) An exemption under paragraph (1) or (2) may be granted subject to such terms as the Secretary of State considers fit to ensure the safety of the ship or class of ship.

(4) An exemption granted under paragraph (1) or (2) may, on the giving of reasonable notice, be altered or cancelled.

(5) An exemption granted under paragraph (1) or (2), or an alteration or cancellation under paragraph (4), must—

(a) be in writing;

(b) specify the date on which it takes effect; and

(c) specify the terms, if any, on which it is given.

(6) Where an exemption is granted subject to terms specified by the Secretary of State, the exemption ceases to have effect if any of those terms is not complied with.

(7) For the purposes of this regulation, a reference to “any requirement of these Regulations” is to be interpreted as including any requirement of Chapter XV, the IP Code, the SPS Code 1983 or the SPS Code 2008 applicable to a ship under these Regulations.

Section 7 Equivalents

(1) Where these Regulations require that—

(a) a particular fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or a type of fitting, material, appliance or apparatus be fitted on, or carried in, a ship;

(b) a particular arrangement be made on, or in relation to, a ship; or

(c) any particular provision be made in relation to a ship,

the Secretary of State may approve any other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, arrangement or other provision if satisfied that it is at least as effective as that required by these Regulations.

(2) An approval given under paragraph (1) may, on the giving of reasonable notice, be continued, altered or cancelled.

(3) Any approval given under paragraph (1), or a continuation, alteration or cancellation under paragraph (2), must—

(a) be in writing;

(b) specify the date on which it takes effect; and

(c) specify the terms, if any, on which it is given.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1), a reference to “these Regulations” is to be interpreted as including a reference to Chapter XV, the IP Code, the SPS Code 1983 or the SPS Code 2008, as the case may be.

Section 8 Approvals

(1) The Secretary of State, or any person authorised by the Secretary of State, may give an approval in relation to a United Kingdom ship for anything in Parts III to V of the IP Code, Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983 or Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008 which provides that it must be—

(a) approved by the Administration of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly;

(b) done to the satisfaction of that Administration; or

(c) acceptable to that Administration .

(2) An approval given under paragraph (1) or regulation 12(1)(b) (approval of training of special personnel appropriate to the role of developing seafarer skills) may, on the giving of reasonable notice, be continued, altered or cancelled.

(3) Any approval given under paragraph (1) or regulation 12(1)(b), or a continuation, alteration or cancellation under paragraph (2), must—

(a) be in writing;

(b) specify the date on which it takes effect; and

(c) specify the terms, if any, on which it is given.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), “ approved ” includes any requirement of Parts III to V of the IP Code, Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983 or Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008 for the Administration to provide its consent in relation to a requirement other than in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) or (c).

Section 9 Requirements for cargo ships and high speed cargo craft constructed on or after 1st July 2024

(1) This regulation applies to cargo ships and high speed cargo craft constructed on or after 1st July 2024.

(2) An owner and master of—

(a) a cargo ship; or

(b) a high speed cargo craft,

must comply with each requirement of Part III of the IP Code (training and safe transfer requirements) that applies to that cargo ship or high speed cargo craft.

(3) An owner and master of a cargo ship must comply with each requirement of Part IV of the IP Code (additional regulations for cargo ships) that applies to that ship.

(4) An owner and master of a high speed cargo craft must comply with each requirement of Part V of the IP Code (additional regulations for high speed cargo craft) that applies to that high speed cargo craft.

Section 10 Requirements for cargo ships and high speed cargo craft constructed before 1st July 2024

(1) This regulation applies to cargo ships and high speed cargo craft constructed before 1st July 2024.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), an owner and master of a cargo ship must comply with each requirement of—

(a) Part III of the IP Code (training and safe transfer requirements); and

(b) Part IV of the IP Code (additional regulations for cargo ships),

that applies to that ship.

(3) Where, before 1st July 2024, a cargo ship was authorised to carry an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers, where at least one person is industrial personnel, and that ship was provided with a document confirming compliance with the IMO Interim Recommendations by the relevant authorising body, the owner and master of such ship may, instead of the applicable requirements set out in paragraph (2), comply with each requirement that applies to that ship in—

(a) Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008; and

(b) subject to paragraph (4)—

(i) regulations 1 and 2 of Part III of the IP Code (training and safe transfer requirements), except for paragraph 2.1.7 in regulation 2 (lighting requirements); and

(ii) regulations 7 and 8 of Part IV of the IP Code (additional regulations for cargo ships relating to life-saving appliances and arrangements and dangerous goods).

(4) Where a cargo ship to which paragraph (3) applies has not been subjected to its first intermediate survey or renewal survey during the period beginning with 1st July 2024 and ending immediately before the day on which these Regulations come into force, that ship need not comply with the requirements of paragraph (3)(b) until immediately before the date of such intermediate survey or renewal survey, whichever occurs first.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), an owner and master of a high speed cargo craft must comply with each requirement of—

(a) Part III of the IP Code; and

(b) Part V of the IP Code (additional regulations for high speed cargo craft),

that applies to that high speed cargo craft.

(6) Where, before 1st July 2024—

(a) a high speed cargo craft was authorised to carry an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers, where at least one person is industrial personnel; and

(b) that craft was provided with a document by the relevant authorising body—

(i) confirming compliance with the IMO Interim Recommendations; and

(ii) specifying the standard, in accordance with the IMO Interim Recommendations, which the craft must meet,

the owner and master of such high speed cargo craft may, instead of the applicable requirements set out in paragraph (5), comply with each requirement that applies to that craft set out in paragraph (7).

(7) The alternative requirements referred to in paragraph (6) are—

(a) the requirements of the standard specified in the document mentioned in paragraph (6)(b) where that standard meets an equivalent level of safety to the requirements of the SPS Code 2008; and

(b) subject to paragraph (8)—

(i) regulations 1 and 2 of Part III of the IP Code, except for paragraph 2.1.7 in regulation 2; and

(ii) regulations 7 and 8 of Part V of the IP Code (additional regulations for high speed cargo craft relating to life-saving appliances and arrangements and dangerous goods).

(8) Where a high speed cargo craft to which paragraph (6) applies has not been subjected to its third periodical survey or first renewal survey during the period beginning with 1st July 2024 and ending immediately before the day on which these Regulations come into force, that craft need not comply with the requirements of paragraph (7)(b) until immediately before the date of such periodical survey or renewal survey, whichever occurs first.

(9) For the purposes of this regulation—

“ authorised ” means—

in the case of a United Kingdom ship, authorised by the Secretary of State ;

in the case of a non-United Kingdom ship—

operating exclusively in and out of a port in the United Kingdom; and

which is not engaged on international voyages,

authorised by the Secretary of State; or

in the case of a non-United Kingdom ship engaged on international voyages, authorised by that ship’s flag administration;

“ IMO Interim Recommendations ” means the recommendations contained in IMO Resolution MSC.418(97) ;

“ intermediate survey ” means—

in the case of a United Kingdom ship, the survey required by regulation 9(1)(c) of the Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015 (surveys of cargo ship structure, machinery and equipment: intermediate survey);

in the case of a non-United Kingdom ship flying the flag of a State which is a party to the Convention, the survey required by regulation 10(a)(iii) in Chapter I (intermediate survey); and

in the case of a non-United Kingdom ship flying the flag of a State which is not a party to the Convention, a survey which comprises the same matters as the survey specified in sub-paragraph (b);

“ periodical survey ” means—

in the case of a United Kingdom high speed cargo craft and a non-United Kingdom high speed cargo craft flying the flag of a State which is a party to the Convention, the survey required by paragraph 1.5.1.3 of the High-Speed Craft Code, 2000 and described in paragraph 1.5.2.2 of that Code; and

in the case of a non-United Kingdom high speed cargo craft flying the flag of a State which is not a party to the Convention, a survey which comprises the same matters as the survey specified in sub-paragraph (a);

“ relevant authorising body ” means—

with respect to a ship referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) in the definition of “authorised”, the Secretary of State; and

with respect to a ship referred to in paragraph (c) in the definition of “authorised”, the ship’s flag administration;

“ renewal survey ” means—

with respect to a cargo ship—

in the case of a United Kingdom cargo ship, the survey required by regulation 7(b), 8(b) or 9(1)(b) of the Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015 (requirements for cargo ship surveys);

in the case of a non-United Kingdom cargo ship flying the flag of a State which is a party to the Convention, the survey required by regulation 8(a)(ii), 9(a)(ii) or 10(a)(ii) in Chapter I (renewal survey); and

in the case of a non-United Kingdom cargo ship flying the flag of a ship which is not a party to the Convention, a survey which comprises the same matters as the survey specified in paragraph (ii); and

with respect to a high speed cargo craft—

in the case of a United Kingdom high speed cargo craft and a non-United Kingdom high speed cargo craft flying the flag of a State which is a party to the Convention, the survey required by paragraph 1.5.1.2 of the High-Speed Craft Code, 2000 and described in paragraph 1.5.2.2 of that Code; and

in the case of a non-United Kingdom high speed cargo craft flying the flag of a State which is not a party to the Convention, a survey which comprises the same matters as the survey specified in paragraph (i).

Section 11 Requirements for special purpose ships

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), an owner and master of a special purpose ship must comply with each requirement of Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008 that applies to that ship.

(2) Where, before 1st July 2024, a special purpose ship constructed before 1st July 2009—

(a) complied with the requirements of Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983;

(b) was provided with a document confirming such compliance by the Secretary of State or the ship’s flag administration, as the case may be; and

(c) has not been modified,

the owner and master of such special purpose ship may continue to comply with each requirement of Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983 that applies to that ship, instead of the requirements specified in paragraph (1).

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(c), a special purpose ship is modified when it undergoes repairs, alterations or other modifications which substantially—

(a) alter the dimensions of the ship or the accommodation spaces on the ship; or

(b) increase the ship’s service life.

Section 12 Training of special personnel

(1) The owner and master of a special purpose ship must ensure, before the ship leaves port on any voyage, that each special personnel who is to board the ship—

(a) has received training in—

(i) all aspects of ship operations;

(ii) the ship’s safety procedures;

(iii) the ship’s safety equipment; and

(iv) any other safety procedures relevant to that person’s particular role on board;

(b) where engaged in training and practical marine experience in order to develop seafaring skills suitable for a professional career at sea, has undertaken training appropriate to that role approved by the Secretary of State; and

(c) holds—

(i) a valid medical fitness certificate issued under regulation 8 or 14 of the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Medical Certification) Regulations 2010 ; or

(ii) a valid certificate referred to in section 5.3 of Marine Guidance Note 701 (M).

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c)(ii), a reference to “ Marine Guidance Note 701 (M) ” means a document issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and includes a reference to any document amending or replacing that document which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time.

Section 13 Offences and penalties

(1) Any contravention of—

(a) regulation 9(2) (compliance with Part III of the IP Code by cargo ships and high speed cargo craft constructed on or after 1st July 2024);

(b) regulation 9(3) (compliance with Part IV of the IP Code by cargo ships constructed on or after 1st July 2024);

(c) regulation 9(4) (compliance with Part V of the IP Code by high speed cargo craft constructed on or after 1st July 2024);

(d) regulation 10(2) (requirements for certain cargo ships constructed before 1st July 2024);

(e) regulation 10(5) (requirements for certain high speed cargo craft constructed before 1st July 2024);

(f) regulation 11(1) (requirements for special purpose ships); or

(g) regulation 12(1) (requirement for special personnel to have received training),

is an offence by the owner and master of the ship in respect of each case of non-compliance.

(2) An offence under paragraph (1) is punishable—

(a) on summary conviction—

(i) in England and Wales by a fine; or

(ii) in Scotland or Northern Ireland by a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or

(b) on conviction on indictment by imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine, or both.

(3) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this regulation to prove that the person charged took all reasonable steps to avoid the commission of the offence.

Section 14 Detention

(1) For the purposes of this regulation, any reference to “ the Act ” is a reference to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

(2) Where a person with power to detain a ship has clear grounds for believing that there is a contravention of any of the requirements of these Regulations in relation to that ship, the ship may be detained in the United Kingdom.

(3) Section 284 of the Act (enforcing detention of ship) applies where a ship is liable to be detained under this regulation as if—

(a) references to detention of a ship under the Act were references to detention of the ship in question under this regulation; and

(b) subsection (7) were omitted.

(4) Where a ship is liable to be detained under this regulation, the person detaining the ship must serve on the master a detention notice which—

(a) states the grounds for the detention; and

(b) requires the terms of the notice to be complied with until the ship is released by any person mentioned in section 284(1) of the Act.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), section 96 (references of detention notices to arbitration) and section 97 (compensation in connection with invalid detention of a ship) of the Act apply in relation to a detention notice issued pursuant to this regulation as they apply in relation to detention notices issued pursuant to section 95 (power to detain dangerously unsafe ship) .

(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5)—

(a) section 96 of the Act applies as if—

(i) subsection (3) were omitted;

(ii) the words “as a dangerously unsafe ship” in subsection (5) were omitted;

(iii) subsection (11) were omitted; and

(b) sections 96 and 97 of the Act apply as if “ the relevant inspector ” means a person issuing the detention notice pursuant to this regulation.

(7) Subject to paragraph (8), where a ship other than a United Kingdom ship is detained, the Secretary of State must immediately inform the ship’s flag administration in writing.

(8) If it is not possible to inform the ship’s flag administration in accordance with paragraph (7), the Secretary of State must inform the Consul of the State of the flag administration, or in the absence of a Consul, the nearest diplomatic representative of the State of the flag administration.

Section 1 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

The Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015 are amended as follows.

Section 2 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 3 (interpretation)—

(a) in paragraph (1)—

(i) in the definition of “cargo ship”—

(aa) after sub-paragraph (c), omit “or”;

(bb) after sub-paragraph (d), insert—

(e) high speed cargo craft; or

(f) special purpose ship;

(ii) after the definition of “Chapter XIV”, insert—

“ Chapter X ” means Chapter X in the Annex to the SOLAS Convention (safety measures for high speed craft);

(iii) in the definition of “Convention Certificate”, at the end insert “, Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate or a Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate” ;

(iv) after the definition of “gross tons”, insert—

“ high speed cargo craft ” means a high speed craft carrying not more than 12 passengers;

“ high speed craft ” has the meaning given to it in regulation 1.3 of Chapter X;

(v) for the definition of “HSC Code”, substitute—

“ HSC Code ” means the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 described in regulation 1.2 of Chapter X and includes the amendments adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.537(107);

(vi) after the definition of “IMO”, insert—

“ industrial personnel ” means a person who is transported or accommodated on board a ship for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed on board other ships or offshore facilities;

“ Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate ” means the certificate of that description, including the record of equipment, contained in the Appendix to the IP Code, and which confirms that a ship complies with each requirement of the IP Code applicable to it and issued in respect of—

a United Kingdom ship pursuant to regulation 13C (issue of Industrial Personnel Safety Certificates in respect of cargo ships and high speed cargo craft); or

a ship flying the flag of a State other than the United Kingdom which is a party to the SOLAS Convention, by that State;

(vii) after the definition of “international voyage”, insert—

“ IP and SPS Regulations ” means the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025 ;

“ IP Code ” means the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel;

(viii) after the definition of “mile”, insert—

“ offshore industrial activities ” means the construction, maintenance, decommissioning, operation or servicing of offshore facilities related, but not limited to, exploration and exploitation of resources by the renewable or hydrocarbon energy sectors, aquaculture, ocean mining or similar activities;

(ix) for the definition of “passenger”, substitute—

“ passenger ” means a person other than—

the master and the members of the crew or other persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of that ship;

industrial personnel;

special personnel;

a child under one year of age; or

a person on board the ship either in pursuance of the obligation laid upon the master to carry shipwrecked, distressed or other persons, or by reason of any circumstance which the master, owner or charterer, if any, could not have prevented;

(x) in the definition of “SOLAS Convention”, for “1974.” substitute “1974;” ;

(xi) after the definition of “SOLAS Convention”, insert—

“ special personnel ” means a person who is carried on board a ship in connection with the special purpose of that ship or because of special work being carried out on board that ship, but who is not a member of the crew;

“ special purpose ship ” means a ship which is not a passenger ship and which carries on board an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of special personnel and passengers where at least one person is special personnel;

“ Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate ” means the certificate of that description, including the record of equipment, contained in the Appendix to the SPS Code 1983 or the Annex to the SPS Code 2008, whichever is applicable, and which confirms that a ship complies with each requirement of the SPS Code 1983 or the SPS Code 2008, as the case may be, applicable to it and issued in respect of—

a United Kingdom ship pursuant to regulation 13D (issue of Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate); or

a ship flying the flag of a State other than the United Kingdom which is a party to the SOLAS Convention;

“ SPS Code 1983 ” means the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 1983, and includes the amendments adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.542(107);

“ SPS Code 2008 ” means the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008, and includes the amendments adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.543(107);

“statement of compliance” is a document which—

in the case of a United Kingdom ship, confirms compliance by the ship with each requirement of Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983 or Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008 that applies to it and is provided by a Certifying Authority; or

in the case of a ship which is not a United Kingdom ship, confirms compliance with each requirement of Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983 or Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008 that applies to it and is provided by the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly.

(b) after paragraph (6), insert—

(7) In these Regulations, any reference to the IP Code is to be construed—

(a) as a reference to the IP Code as modified from time to time; and

(b) as, if the IP Code is replaced, a reference to the replacement.

(8) For the purposes of paragraph (7), the IP Code is modified or replaced if the modification or replacement takes effect in accordance with Article VIII of the SOLAS Convention.

(9) A modification or replacement of the IP Code has effect at the time such modification or replacement comes into force in accordance with Article VIII of the SOLAS Convention.

(10) Any reference in these Regulations to the SPS Code 1983 or SPS Code 2008 includes any amendment or replacement of that Code which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time and which is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice.

Section 3 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 5 (application and exemption), for paragraph (2)(c), substitute—

(c) high speed craft which are certified in accordance with regulation 13(2) of the Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022 unless they are subject to the IP and SPS Regulations,

Section 4 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

After regulation 9B (surveys of ships operating in polar waters), insert—

Surveys of cargo ships and high speed cargo craft carrying industrial personnel

(9C)

(1) A United Kingdom cargo ship to which the IP and SPS Regulations apply and which is engaged on international voyages must be subject to the surveys specified in paragraph (2), and each such survey must be carried out for the purpose of assessing compliance with each requirement of the IP Code that applies to it.

(2) The surveys referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) an initial survey, before the ship carries the persons referred to in paragraph (7) for the first time; and

(b) a survey at the same time as any survey required in respect of the ship under regulations 7 to 10 (surveys of cargo ships).

(3) A United Kingdom cargo ship to which the IP and SPS Regulations apply and which is engaged on voyages which are not international voyages, must be subject to the surveys specified in paragraph (4), and each such survey must be carried out for the purpose of assessing compliance with each requirement of the IP Code that applies to it.

(4) The surveys referred to in paragraph (3) are—

(a) an initial survey, before the ship carries the persons referred to in paragraph (7) for the first time; and

(b) a survey at the same time as any survey required in respect of the ship under regulations 7 to 10, as if that ship were engaged on international voyages.

(5) A United Kingdom high speed cargo craft to which the IP and SPS Regulations apply must be subject to the surveys specified in paragraph (6), and each such survey must be carried out for the purpose of assessing compliance with each requirement of the IP Code that applies to it.

(6) The surveys referred to in paragraph (5) are—

(a) an initial survey, before the high speed cargo craft carries the persons referred to in paragraph (7) for the first time; and

(b) a survey at the same time as any survey required by section 1.5 of the HSC Code (surveys of high speed craft).

(7) The persons referred to in paragraphs (2)(a), (4)(a) and (6)(a) are an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers where at least one person is industrial personnel.

Surveys of special purpose ships

(9D)

(1) A United Kingdom special purpose ship to which the IP and SPS Regulations apply and which is engaged on international voyages must be subject to the surveys specified in paragraph (2), and each such survey must be carried out for the purpose of assessing compliance with each requirement of—

(a) Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983; or

(b) Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008,

that applies to it.

(2) The surveys referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) an initial survey, before the ship is put into service as a special purpose ship for the first time; and

(b) a survey at the same time as any survey required in respect of the ship under regulations 7 to 10 (surveys of cargo ships).

(3) A United Kingdom special purpose ship to which the IP and SPS Regulations apply and which is engaged on voyages which are not international voyages, must be subject to the surveys specified in paragraph (4), and each such survey must be carried out for the purpose of assessing compliance with each requirement of—

(a) Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 1983; or

(b) Chapters 2 to 9 of the SPS Code 2008,

that applies to it.

(4) The surveys referred to in paragraph (3) are—

(a) an initial survey, before the ship is put into service as a special purpose ship for the first time; and

(b) a survey at the same time as any survey required in respect of the ship under regulations 7 to 10, as if that ship were engaged on international voyages.

Section 5 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

After regulation 13B (issue of Polar Ship Certificate), insert—

Issue of Industrial Personnel Safety Certificates in respect of cargo ships and high speed cargo craft

(13C)

(1) Where a Certifying Authority is satisfied that the conditions set out in paragraph (2) are met in respect of a United Kingdom ship, the Certifying Authority must—

(a) issue an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate in respect of that ship; or

(b) endorse the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate issued in respect of the ship under paragraph (a).

(2) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) are that—

(a) a survey for assessing the ship’s compliance with Part 2 of the IP and SPS Regulations (requirements for cargo ships and high speed cargo craft carrying industrial personnel) has been satisfactorily completed; and

(b) the ship has been issued with any certificate or certificates applicable to it under regulation 13 (issue of certificates to United Kingdom ships engaged on international or short international voyages).

(3) Where an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate has been issued in respect of a ship under paragraph (1)(a), any statement of compliance held by that ship ceases to be valid.

Issue of Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate

(13D)

(1) Where a Certifying Authority is satisfied that the conditions set out in paragraph (2) are met in respect of a United Kingdom ship, the Certifying Authority must—

(a) issue a Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate in respect of that ship; or

(b) endorse the Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate issued in respect of the ship under paragraph (a).

(2) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) are that—

(a) a survey for assessing the ship’s compliance with regulation 11 of the IP and SPS Regulations (requirements for special purpose ships) has been satisfactorily completed; and

(b) the ship has been issued with any certificate or certificates applicable to it under regulation 13 (issue of certificates to United Kingdom ships engaged on international or short international voyages).

(3) Where a Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate has been issued in respect of a ship under paragraph (1)(a), any statement of compliance held by that ship ceases to be valid.

Section 6 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 15 (duration and validity of certificates)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), for “or Polar Ship Certificate issued in respect of a cargo ship” substitute “, Polar Ship Certificate issued in respect of a cargo ship, Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate or Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate” ;

(b) in paragraph (4)—

(i) in the words before sub-paragraph (a)—

(aa) after “9B(2)(b)”, insert “, 9C(2)(b), 9C(4)(b), 9C(6)(b), 9D(2)(b) or 9D(4)(b);

(bb) for “9B”, substitute “9D” ;

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b), after “9B(2)(b)” insert “, 9C(2)(b), 9C(4)(b), 9C(6)(b), 9D(2)(b) or 9D(4)(b);

(c) in sub-paragraph (c)—

(aa) after “9B(2)(b)”, insert “9C(2)(b), 9C(4)(b), 9C(6)(b), 9D(2)(b) or 9D(4)(b)” ;

(bb) for “9B”, substitute “9D” ;

(d) in paragraph (6)(b), for “9B” substitute “9D” .

Section 7 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 16(1) (issue and duration of exemption certificates), after “13B”, insert “, 13C, 13D” .

Section 8 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 17 (extension and other provisions)—

(a) in paragraph (1)—

(i) for “, a Polar Ship Certificate issued in respect of a passenger ship”, substitute “or a Polar Ship Certificate issued in respect of a passenger ship,” ;

(ii) for “9B”, substitute “9D” ;

(b) in paragraph (2), after “9B” insert “, 9C or 9D” ;

(c) in paragraph (3), after “9B” insert “, 9C or 9D” .

Section 9 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 18 (issue and endorsement of certificates by another government), in paragraph (1), after “regulations 13 and 13B” insert “to 13D” .

Section 10 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 19 (requests made by other SOLAS governments), in paragraph (2), after “regulations 13 and 13B” insert “to 13D” .

Section 11 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 22 (availability of certificates)—

(a) after “or a certificate”, insert “or document, as the case may be,” ;

(b) after “23(5D)(b)” insert “, (5E)(b), (5F)(b), (5G)(b) or (5H)(b)” .

Section 12 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 23 (prohibition on proceeding to sea without the appropriate documentation)—

(a) after paragraph (5D) insert—

(5E) No United Kingdom cargo ship or high speed cargo craft which carries an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers where at least one person is industrial personnel, may proceed to sea unless there is in force—

(a) an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate; or

(b) until such time as a Certifying Authority issues an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate under regulation 13C(1)(a), a statement of compliance confirming compliance with the SPS Code 2008 only.

(5F) No cargo ship or high speed cargo craft which carries the persons referred to in paragraph (5E) and which is not a United Kingdom ship, may operate in United Kingdom waters unless there is in force—

(a) in the case of a ship flying the flag of a State which is a party to the SOLAS Convention but which is not the United Kingdom, an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate; or

(b) in the case of a ship flying the flag of a State which is not a party to the SOLAS Convention, a certificate that demonstrates compliance with each requirement of the IP Code referred to in regulation 9 or 10 of the IP and SPS Regulations, as the case may be, that applies to it.

(5G) No special purpose ship which is a United Kingdom ship may proceed to sea unless there is in force—

(a) a Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate; or

(b) until such time as a Certifying Authority issues a Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate under regulation 13D(1)(a), a statement of compliance.

(5H) No special purpose ship which is not a United Kingdom special purpose ship, may operate in United Kingdom waters unless there is in force—

(a) a Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate; or

(b) a certificate that demonstrates compliance with each requirement of the SPS Code 2008 that applies to that ship.

Section 13 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

After regulation 25A (limit on the number of persons on HSOSC), insert—

Limit on the number of persons on cargo ships and high speed craft carrying industrial personnel

(25B) The owner and master of a cargo ship or high speed cargo craft must ensure that there is not on board a greater number of persons than that stated on—

(a) the ship’s Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate; or

(b) in the case of a ship flying the flag of a State which is not a party to the SOLAS Convention, the certificate referred to in regulation 23(5F)(b) (certificate demonstrating compliance with the IP Code).

Limit on the number of persons on special purpose ships

(25C) The owner and master of a special purpose ship must ensure that there is not on board a greater number of persons than that stated on—

(a) the ship’s Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate; or

(b) in the case of a special purpose ship which is not a United Kingdom ship, a certificate referred to in regulation 23(5H)(b) (certificate demonstrating compliance with the SPS Code 2008).

Section 14 Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015

In regulation 26 (penalties)—

(a) in paragraph (1) (offence of proceeding to sea in breach of survey requirements), for “9B” substitute “9D” ;

(b) in paragraph (2) (offence related to responsibilities of owner and master etc.), for “(5D)” substitute “(5H)” ;

(c) in paragraph (5) (offence related to limit on number of persons on board), for “25 or 25A”, substitute “25 to 25C” .

Section 15 The Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2018

The Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2018 are amended as follows.

Section 16 The Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2018

In Schedule 1, in the table in paragraph 5 (fees for inspections, etc.) of Part 1 (surveys, inspections and applications for exemption)—

(a) in Section I (construction and equipment)—

(i) in the entry for the Merchant Shipping (High Speed Offshore Support Craft) Regulations 2022—

(aa) for “The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Offshore Support Craft) Regulations 2022”, substitute “The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Offshore Service Craft) Regulations 2022” ;

(bb) in the third column, at the end, insert “2025/1298” ;

(ii) in the entry for the Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022, in the third column, at the end, insert “2025/1298” ;

(iii) in the entry for the Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023, in the third column, at the end, insert “2025/1298” ;

(b) in Section L (survey and certification)—

(i) in the entry for the Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015, in the third column, at the end, insert “2025/1298” ;

(ii) at the end—

(aa) in the first column, insert “The Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025” ;

(bb) in the second column, insert “2025/1298” ;

(cc) in the third column, insert “None” .

Section 17 The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Offshore Service Craft) Regulations 2022

The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Offshore Service Craft) Regulations 2022 are amended as follows.

Section 18 The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Offshore Service Craft) Regulations 2022

In regulation 3 (application)—

(a) in paragraph (2)—

(i) for sub-paragraph (d), substitute—

(d) is engaged in an operation to transport an aggregate of more than 12 persons consisting of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers where at least one person is industrial personnel, from one place to another, including any part of that operation where they are not on board,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (f)—

(aa) at the end of paragraph (v), omit “or”;

(bb) at the end of paragraph (vi), insert “, or” ;

(cc) after paragraph (vi), insert—

(vii) a high speed passenger craft

(b) in paragraph (3)—

(i) for the definition of “high speed craft”, substitute—

“ high speed craft ” has the meaning given to it in regulation 1.3 of Chapter X in the Annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974;

(ii) after the definition of “high speed craft”, insert—

“ high speed passenger craft ” means a high speed craft which carries more than 12 passengers;

(iii) in the definition of “offshore industrial activities”, after “related” insert “, but not limited to,” ;

(iv) after the definition of “offshore industrial activities”, insert—

“ passenger ” means a person other than—

the master and the members of the crew or other persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board an HSOSC on the business of that HSOSC;

industrial personnel;

special personnel; or

a child under one year of age;

(v) after the definition of “pleasure vessel”, insert—

“ special personnel ” means a person who is carried on board a ship in connection with the special purpose of that ship or because of special work being carried out on board that ship, but who is not a member of the crew;

Section 19 The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Offshore Service Craft) Regulations 2022

In regulation 4 (compliance and exemptions)—

(a) before paragraph (1), insert—

(A1) An owner or master of an HSOSC must apply for certification of the HSOSC under—

(a) regulation 13A of the Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015 (issue of certificates to HSOSC), or

(b) regulation 13(2) of the Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022 (High Speed Craft Safety Certificate).

(b) in paragraph (1), after “An HSOSC”, insert “which is certified as described in paragraph (A1)(a)” .

Section 20 The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022

The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022 are amended as follows.

Section 21 The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022

In regulation 4 (application)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(c)—

(i) in paragraph (ii), omit “for hire or reward”;

(ii) in paragraph (iv), omit “which is carrying cargo for hire or reward”;

(b) for paragraph (2)(j), substitute—

(j) an HSOSC which has been examined, and in respect of which a certificate has been issued under regulation 13A(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015;

(c) after paragraph (4), insert—

(5) For the purposes of this regulation, “ HSOSC ” has the meaning given to it in regulation 3 of the Merchant Shipping (High Speed Offshore Service Craft) Regulations 2022.

Section 22 The Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2022

In regulation 9 (requirements in relation to high speed craft)—

(a) in paragraph (1), after “2002” insert “, except for a high speed craft to which the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025 apply,” ;

(b) in paragraph (2), after “2002,” insert “except for a high speed craft to which the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025 apply,” ;

(c) after paragraph (2), insert—

(2A) Subject to paragraph (5), a high speed craft constructed before 1st July 2002 and to which the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025 apply must comply with each requirement applicable to that craft in—

(a) the High-Speed Craft Code, 2000; and

(b) the approved standards specified in Merchant Shipping Notice 1672 (M+F) Amendment 4 .

(d) in paragraph (5), after “paragraphs (1), (2),”, insert “(2A),” .

Section 23 The Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023

The Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023 are amended as follows.

Section 24 The Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023

In regulation 3(1) (interpretation), in the definition of “passenger”—

(a) at the end of sub-paragraph (b), omit “or”;

(b) at the end of sub-paragraph (c), insert “or” ;

(c) after sub-paragraph (c), insert—

(d) industrial personnel

Section 25 The Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023

In regulation 4 (application)—

(a) for paragraph (2)(a), substitute—

(a) a workboat or pilot boat carrying more than 12 persons consisting of passengers and industrial personnel;

(b) after paragraph (3), insert—

(4) For the purposes of this regulation—

“ industrial personnel ” means a person who is transported or accommodated on board a ship for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed on board other ships or on offshore facilities; and

“ offshore industrial activities ” means the construction, maintenance, decommissioning, operation or servicing of offshore facilities related, but not limited to, exploration and exploitation of resources by the renewable or hydrocarbon energy sectors, aquaculture, ocean mining or similar activities.