These Regulations implement the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as modified by the Protocol of 1988 relating to the Convention. The Regulations also implement all amendments to the Convention and Protocol as at the date of this statutory instrument. All future amendments to Annexes I, II and III to the Convention will be automatically incorporated into the Regulations by way of ambulatory reference (regulation 5). The Regulations apply the provisions of the Convention, with certain limited exceptions, to United Kingdom ships and to non-United Kingdom ships in United Kingdom waters meeting the size or weight criteria in the Convention, including ships from countries which are not parties to the Convention, and which are engaged on international voyages.