This Code of Safe Working Practices is intended primarily for merchant seamen on United Kingdom registered vessels. Copies of the current printed edition of the Code must be carried on all United Kingdom ships other than fishing vessels and pleasure craft, and a copy must be made available to any seaman in the ship who requests it, in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen) Regulations 1998. There should always be an adequate number of copies to allow the Master, Safety Officer and any members of the Safety Committee to have their own, leaving at least one available for general reference.