1. Except as otherwise provided in this Article,
this Convention applies to every sea-going ship, whether publicly
or privately owned, which is engaged in the transport of cargo or
passengers for the purpose of trade or is employed for any other commercial
purpose.
2. National laws or regulations shall determine
when ships are to be regarded as sea-going ships for the purpose of
this Convention.
3. This Convention applies to sea-going tugs.
4. This Convention does not apply to -
-
(a)
ships primarily propelled by
sail, whether or not they are fitted with auxiliary engines;
-
(b)
ships engaged in fishing or in
whaling or in similar pursuits;
-
(c)
small vessels and vessels such
as oil rigs and drilling platforms when not engaged in navigation,
the decision as to which vessels are covered by this subparagraph
to be taken by the competent authority in each country in consultation
with the most representative organisations of shipowners and seafarers.
5. Nothing in this Convention shall be deemed
to extend the scope of the conventions referred to in the Appendix
to this Convention or of the provisions contained therein.