3. Ship legislation—a marine engineer's view

SYNOPSIS. Current legislation is fairly straightforward and comprehensive, covering all aspects of shipping from construction to safety, manning levels and navigational aids. It is enacted in all its various forms by Statutory Bodies, Classification Societies and in some instances by Port Authorities. Given the apparent rise in the number of marine " accidents " and environmental problems together with the corresponding rise in the number of " protesting " or " interested parties ", current and future legislation will reflect these issues to such an extent that Port Authorities may become involved as a matter of policy.

1. In the past Marine Engineers have had the reputation of being conservative, little liking change and generally living in a world which was full of bottom ends, boilers, condensers, winches etc. Indeed if one comes across a small gathering of such people, particularly the more middle aged or senior citizens then all conversation is lost save for the good old days when steam was king and a mans reputation was built on his ability to keep the daily consumption of coal or oil to a bare minimum, notwithstanding keeping the engines going as well.