§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which permission is granted for(a) any vessel and (b) a passenger ferry to travel without carrying a radio officer.
§ Mr. David MitchellRadio communications equipment on ships has become simpler to operate over recent years. Use of the on-board radiotelegraphy (morse) — which requires a radio officer — is declining in favour of simpler and more effective radiotelephone systems.
Circumstances in which the Department is prepared to grant passenger or other vessels exemptions from the relevant regulations are considered on a case-by-case basis. They take into account both guidelines issued by the International Maritime Organisation and the results of trials carried out by the Department on the introduction of new radio equipment and practices.