§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps the Government plan to take to enforce and improve safety and working conditions onboard ships using British port and waters. [32127]
§ Mr. JamiesonShips using British ports and waters are subject to a rigorous regime of inspection to check that they comply with minimum international safety standards and relevant working conditions. This is an on-going process.
540WShips that are found on inspection to fall short of international safety standards are detained until the defects leading to detention are put right. Ships failing to comply with the terms of release are refused access to British and European ports until the safety standards are met.
The details of ships detained by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are published on national and European websites and the ships are targeted for further inspection. Significant breaches of regulations are investigated and followed up by prosecution where appropriate. Details of prosecutions are also published.