Gibraltar's New Category I Status - British Merchant Shipping Registry

The rock of Gibraltar has now set up its new British Category I Status Merchant Shipping Register. This came into force on 19th March 1996 as a result of a recent Order by the Privy Council which added Gibraltar to the list of United Kingdom Registers under the 1988 Merchant Shipping Act.

A Maritime Administrator will have primary responsibility for the Register which will have Category I status with unrestricted registration, except for nuclear powered vessels and fishing vessels. A survey has been concluded between the UK and Gibraltar and is designed to enforce uniformity of standards. Initially the Maritime Safety Agency will provide assistance to the Gibraltar Maritime Administrator who will soon have its own independent staffing and register, and become completely self-sufficient.