Republic of Ireland RI 2023/441. Merchant Shipping (Health and Safety General Duties and Reporting of Marine Incidents) Regulations 2023. Regulations published 5th September.   These Regulations set out the general obligations placed on the owner and master for occupational health and safety onboard ships. They set as requirement for the appointment of safety officials, by the ship’s owner, and safety representatives, by the ship’s crew, on board a ship registered in the Irish State, other than fishing vessels, non-sea-going vessels and pleasure craft. They require the crew to comply with occupational health and safety guidelines and for any marine incidents to be reported to the Marine Survey Office.

SI 2023/982. The Environmental Protection (Plastic Plates etc. and Polystyrene Containers etc.) (England) Regulations 2023.  Comes into force 1st October. prohibits the supply of single-use plastic plates, trays or bowls, balloon sticks and cutlery. It also prohibits the supply of single-use polystyrene food or drink containers and cups. These Regulations also amend SI 2017/1312;  Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations 2017 and SI 2020/971; Environmental Protection (Plastic Straws, Cotton Buds and Stirrers) (England) Regulations 2020.

SI 2023/971. The Petroleum Act 1998 (Specified Pipelines) (Amendment) and Importation and Storage of Combustible Gas (Designation of Substance etc.) Order 2023. Comes into force 27th September. Amends the descriptions of pipelines in The Petroleum Act 1998 (Specified Pipelines) Order 2011 (SI 2011/423). The order takes into account the use of pipelines to transport hydrogen. This order also amends the definition of “gas” to include hydrogen in The Offshore Gas Storage and Unloading (Licensing) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/2813).