The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published MGN 710 (M) safety management systems for small workboats and pilot boats.
Guidance on how owners and operators of small workboats and pilot boats can meet the Safety Management System (SMS) requirements of the recently launched Workboat Code Edition 3 is now available.
It sets out practical ways to demonstrate that an SMS is implemented and operational on board, primarily through an annual self-assessment or an equivalent method providing comparable assurance.
The MGN clarifies the role of the Certifying Authority (CA), emphasising that their function is limited to sampling evidence of SMS implementation as part of the certification process, rather than auditing or developing the system. It also outlines expectations for periodic SMS reviews, responsibilities for addressing findings internally, and specific considerations for remotely operated unmanned vessels and remote operation centres.
The guidance supports proportionate, practical safety management, encourages continual improvement, and reinforces that responsibility for the SMS remains with the owner or operator.
Workboat Code Edition 3 (WB3) came into force on 13 December 2025 – a significant update to the safety framework for small workboats and pilot boats certified in the UK.
All vessels certificated under WB3 are required to implement an SMS that is proportionate to the size, complexity and risk profile of their operations by 13 December 2026. However, all Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels certificated under this Code are required to implement an SMS from the date WB3 entered into force.
Proportionate SMS means the system should be tailored to the specific needs and activities of each vessel and owner/operator, ensuring safety management is practical and effective without being unnecessarily burdensome.
Owners/operators are encouraged to develop their SMS to address all aspects of their operations, including the human element, drawing on best practices and lessons learned.
The CA responsible for issuing vessel code certification should sample the SMS to verify that it is implemented and operational, but must remain independent of its development or production. The CA’s role is to ensure that the owner/operator can meet their responsibilities under the Code and that the SMS is implemented, without involvement in its production, consultation, or detailed auditing.
Where the vessel holds a valid certification under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, this certification shall be accepted in lieu of the SMS requirements detailed within WB3. This acceptance is conditional upon the certification being issued by the MCA or an MCA-recognised organisation, and it applies equally to mandatory and voluntary ISM certifications. For such acceptance to apply to vessels conducting ROUV operations, the ISM SMS must ensure that it adequately covers these operations.
This notice should be read in conjunction with The Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023 (SI 2023/1216) and the Workboat Code Edition 3.
Read the full guidance: MCA – MGN 710 M safety management systems for small workboats and pilot boats