HC Deb 20 June 1984 vol 62 c163W
Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now have discussions with ferry operators and with representatives of the appropriate trade unions to decide whether it is still necessary for deck officers to undertake at least 18 months' deep sea service in order to qualify for two masters or two senior officers positions on a ferry.

Mr. David Mitchell

My Department is already in consultation with the shipping industry about amendments to the deck officer certification regulations. The intention is to amend the regulations so that certificates restricted as to use, for example, on ferries, can be issued to those officers who have been unable to acquire the currently necessary deep sea service.