Summary
The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 consolidates UK legislation on merchant shipping, covering registration of ships, safety standards, prevention of pollution, liability for oil pollution damage, wreck removal, and the welfare of seafarers. It implements various international maritime conventions into UK law.
Key Points
- Registration of British ships (Part II)
- Safety of ships and prevention of pollution (Parts III–VI)
- Limitation of shipowners' liability (Part VII — Convention on Limitation 1976)
- Liability for oil pollution damage (Part VI — CLC/Fund Conventions)
- Investigation of marine accidents (Part XI)
- Provisions on seafarer employment, wages, and welfare
- Wreck removal and salvage provisions