§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list in theOfficial Report how many British-registered fishing vessels have sought approval under the Safety at Sea Act; how many have not met requirements; and for what reasons.
§ Mr. David MitchellDetailed requirements to implement the life-saving equipment provisions for fishing vessels in the Safety at Sea Act 1986 have now been introduced by the Fishing Vessels (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulations 1988. The requirement to carry lifejackets on smaller fishing vessels came into force on 15 February 1988. Those relating to the carriage of emergency position indicating radio beacons and automatic release of liferafts will be phased in from 15 April 1988 to 15 January 1989. The Act does not require specific approval of fishing vessels.