The Maritime Red Tape Challenge includes over 200 international and domestic regulations relating to the maritime sector to ensure that the UK’s shipping, ports and waterways are operated in an efficient, safe, secure and sustainable manner.
These regulations ensure that the UK balances commercial maritime interests with safety, security and environmental considerations, and apply across the full range of maritime activity from ship safety and security, passenger interests, environmental standards, navigational safety and seafarers’ right. They aim to promote a successful, safe and sustainable maritime sector that meets the needs of industry and customers in a rapidly changing, global environment.
We believe that even more can be done to support the UK’s vibrant maritime sector – and to do that, we want to harness the experience and ideas of those who work in the sector who have to deal with these regulations day in, day out. As part of the Red Tape Challenge process, we will look to help reduce costs for the maritime sector without compromising the competitiveness or operational safety and security; and examine whether our more historic maritime legislation is fit for purpose and suited to today’s wider maritime needs.
More information on the maritime sector is on the gov.uk website. To share your ideas on how to make our regulations more workable, join the debate in the comment threads below.
Industry Safety
These regulations aim to ensure the safe construction, maintenance and security of merchant shipping, fishing vessels and hovercraft by their owners and the UK flag administration using a risk based approach.
Environment
Regulations that prevent the pollution of the marine environment from substances, such as oil and sewage and garbage, without placing unnecessary burdens on business.
Navigation Safety
These regulations provide rules for the safe means of navigation, including the carriage of appropriate equipment relevant to the area of operation, for merchant ships and fishing vessels.
Seafarers
Regulations that govern the health and safety standards for seafarers on merchant ships, fishing vessels and hovercrafts including standards of accommodation, hours of work and training requirements.
Passengers
These regulations aim to ensure the safe carriage of passengers and their luggage on ships and ferries, including the provision of safety information in the case of emergencies.
