The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21) regulates, and confers powers to regulate, United Kingdom ships and ships in United Kingdom waters. The Harbours Act 1964 (c. 40) provides, among other things, for designated harbour authorities to give directions in respect of ships. The Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20) confers power to provide for a provision which is expressed to apply in relation to ships to apply, including with modifications, in relation to specified things which are used, navigated or situated wholly or partly in or on water.
This Order provides for certain provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (and of instruments made, or treated as made, under that Act) and of the Harbours Act 1964 as they apply in relation to ships to apply, in some cases with modifications, in relation to watercraft (as defined in article 3).
Source: HMSO.