§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 2 November,Official Report, column 89, when he expects the assessment of emergency or standby vessels in the offshore oil and gas industry to be completed.
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 10 November 1992]: The new standby vessel code jointly agreed by the Department and the Health and Safety Executive includes a staged approach with the simpler requirements being completed by 1 January 1992 and 1 May 1992, and with full compliance by 31 December 1992. New vessels and new conversions are to comply before entering service. The timing of preparation and presentation of vessels is a matter for owners.
The present situation is that: 86 fully comply with the new code; 41 have applied for and are in the process of assessment; 46 may be put forward for assessment or withdrawn from service.