Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) and John Megoran, a member of their Council of Experts, met with representatives from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in Southampton on 14th February. Following the meeting this press statement has been agreed for release by National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA):

[paper]National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) has submitted a response on behalf of the sector to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Consultation on the Review of Standards for Older UK Passenger Ships. The proposals contained areas of particular concern in relation to fixed firefighting and damage stability with which it would be costly and difficult for current operating historic vessels to comply without impacting on their original design and fabric. National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) has subsequently met with representatives from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) over these issues and a positive discussion was had. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will be running a further consultation on its final recommendations later this year and we hope that this will recognise the points we have raised and will offer a practical way for the majority of historic passenger vessels to continue meeting safety standards without adversely affecting their significance.[/paper]