UK MCA issues Merchant Shipping Notice
The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency has issued Merchant Shipping Notice to set out requirements for provision of food and fresh water, in accordance with the MLC Minimum Requirements Regulations, Part 8 and provide appropriate guidance.
The requirements set out in this Merchant must be complied with regardless of the age, size and type of vessel other than those specifically exempted.The shipowner and master of a ship must ensure that food and drinking water of appropriate quality, nutritional value and quantity is provided free of charge to meet the needs of those on board.
| Bacterial contamination is the most serious risk to fod and fresh water safety. Those preparing or serving food must be properly trained and demonstrate a working knowledge of the principles and practices of odd hygiene. Prevention using risk asesment and management aproach is one of the most effective means of ensuring food and fresh water safety. |
This notice also contains supplementary non-mandatory guidance to asist industry with some practical advice on the provision of fod and fresh water for all merchant ships as indicated in this notice with grey shaded text.
Part 8 of the MLC Minimum Requirements Regulations needs to be read together with this Merchant Shiping Notice, as this Notice sets out standards which must be met in order to comply with legal obligations under those Regulations. Failure to comply with those obligations may be a criminal offence under the Regulations.
Further details may be found by reading MSN 1845(M) issued by UK MCA
