Post-Herald of Free Enterprise Maritime Safety Regulations

Circular No: NP/274/14

TO ALL SHIPPING AND OFFSHORE BRANCHES, REGIONAL ORGANISERS, REGIONAL COUNCILS, & COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES.

Our ref: S6/2/14

18th December 2014

Dear Colleagues

Post-Herald of Free Enterprise Maritime Safety Regulations

Further to circular no. NP/227/14 of 7th November 2014, the union attended the meeting with the Shipping Minister, the MCA and representatives of Nautilus and Unite on 24th November to discuss the consultation over plans to revoke four maritime safety regulations introduced after the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster. The MCA have written (copy attached) to the National Secretary to inform the union of the outcome to the consultation.

Regrettably, and in line with the request of the ports industry, the Government has decided to revoke the three regulations dealing with the weighing of goods vehicles and other cargo. However, the RMT’s arguments in defence of the regulation requiring emergency equipment lockers to be fitted and maintained on the open deck of Ro-Ro passenger ferries had more success; this regulation will not be revoked and will continue to be a mandatory part of the MCA’s safety assessment of Ro-Ro passenger ferries.

The responses from RMT Shipping Branches and seafarers were vital in formulating the arguments that convinced Government to retain the emergency equipment lockers regulation and it would be appreciated if you could bring the content of this circular to the attention of all members in your Branch.

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary