Mercantile Marine Act, 1955.

"Ship" includes every description of vessel used in navigation not propelled by oars. "Part II provides for assignment of the Irish nationality ships, national colours and character. Section 9 defines Irish ships as "(a) State-owned ships; (b) ships which are wholly owned by persons being citizens of Ireland (hereinafter referred to as Irish citizens) or Irish bodies corporate and are not registered under the law of another country; (c) other ships registered or deemed to be registered under this Act.) Every ship which is wholly owned by an Irish citizen or an Irish body corporate shall be registered under this Act, unless she is a ship exempt under subsection (2) of this section from the obligation to register under this Act. Specified ships are exempted (sect. 18). Sections 23 to 32 outline procedures for registration, whereas sections 33 to 42 provide for certificates of registration and related matters. Remaining provisions of this Act deal with transfer of ships, mortgages and sale, liability of owners, inspections, modification of Register, forfeiture of ships, etc. (98 sections completed by 3 Schedules)