Search and Rescue Convention to enter into force

The conditions for entry into force of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue 1979 were fulfilled on 21st June 1984. The Convention will therefore enter into force on 22nd June 1985. The main purpose of the Convention is to facilitate co-operation between search and rescue organizations and between those participating in search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea by establishing the legal and technical basis for an international SAR plan.

(Reprinted from Lloyd’s Maritime Law Newsletter)

Harrier salvage award appealed

The Lloyd’s appeal arbitrator has reduced the salvage award payable to the owners and crew of the Spanish vessel Alraigo in respect of the emergency landing of a Royal Navy Harrier aircraft in June 1983. The Ministry of Defence appealed against the original award of £533,500, which was reduced on appeal to £412,000. The money will be apportioned to the owners and crew in accordance with Spanish law.

(Reprinted from Lloyd’s Maritime Law Newsletter)

Legislation

The following statutory instruments came into force on 1st September 1984:

SI No.

1203 Merchant Shipping (Navigational Equipment) Regulations 1984.

1216 Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Regulations 1984.

1217 Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Regulations 1984.

1218 Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) Regulations 1984.

1221 Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) (Amendment) Regulations 1984.

1222 Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) (Amendment) Rules 1984.

1223 Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1984.

(Reprinted from Lloyd’s Maritime Law Newsletter)

Limitation Convention

Poland has ratified the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976 (contained in the Merchant Shipping Act 1979, Sch. 4). Ratification by only one more State is needed in order to bring the Convention into effect.