A bill overhauling the maritime shipping regime was passed by the Senate yesterday.

Senators lost no time in approving changes to the Maritime Shipping Act, agreeing that the changes were necessary in an age of terrorism.

The bill brings Bermuda in line with international law and is primarily intended to introduce and administer international security requirements for Bermuda-registered ships.

It means that Bermuda-registered ships will be recognised internationally as complying with international law and that Bermuda would ?ensure through merchant shipping regulations that visiting vessels meet the convention requirements, and that it is better protected through applicable safety, security and pollution prevention standards,? explained Government Senate Leader Larry Mussenden.

Sen. Mussenden added that the law will impose added costs for running the Department of Maritime Administration but that was expected to be offset by additional revenue.

Government will pass corresponding regulations which will come into force on the same date as the Act.