The 2009 EU Passenger Liability Regulation applies the 2002 Protocol to the Athens Convention throughout the EU and the EEA, but has wider effect in that it also applies to domestic voyages within the EU and the EEA. This was subject to deferral by nine Member States, including the UK, for four years after the coming into effect of the Regulation for vessels in Class A. From 31.12.2016 the UK will apply the Regulation to domestic voyages within the UK on ships in Class A. The deferral in respect of Class B vessels will expire on 30.12.2018.