Safety and innovation are at the heart of updated regulations for small commercial vessels used for sport or pleasure that was laid before Parliament on 20 November 2025 with application to be phased in from 12 December 2025 by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), starting only with new vessels entering either code for the first time.
The new Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 will set clear, pragmatic standards across the sector by underpinning two codes of practice for vessels below and above 24 metres in length. The changes will apply gradually to more vessels as their certificates come up for renewal or within three years, whichever is longer. Some of the standards under which existing vessels have been assessed will continue to be accepted under the new code.
The Sport or Pleasure regulations provide a consistent framework that better reflects the commercial sector’s growing variety of craft and activities – ranging from sailing vessels, including those engaged in racing activities and race support boats, to high-speed craft carrying passengers on sightseeing trips.
Important updates to the Sport or Pleasure Code include:
– responses to relevant safety recommendations by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, including those relating to fatal incidents;
– an enabling regulatory framework for vessels using alternative fuels and propulsion, to help keep the UK at the forefront of decarbonising the shipping industry;
– support for technological innovation and further clarity of survey and inspection requirements for commercial owners and operators.
The changes follow at least two years of discussion between the MCA and commercial operators, manufacturers and industry bodies, including a 12-week consultation that concluded on 25 February and a stakeholders’ conference on 15 May.
On behalf of IIMS, CEO, Mike Schwarz, said, “This is the most significant piece of new regulation to affect the under 24 metre commercially used sport and pleasure vessels for a quarter of a century. Whilst we broadly welcome the new Code, it will impose a significant step change for all those involved, from code examiners to vessel owners and operators.”
Rob Taylor, MCA Code Vessel Lead, said, “This update is long overdue and will support commercial owners and operators by adding relevance and clarity to safety requirements for survey and inspection and innovation.
“These pragmatic changes recognise the development of standards and the significant shift in use of technology and the growing variety of craft and activities in the commercial sector since the Colour Codes and MGN 280 were first published, providing for all types of vessels: from racing sailing yachts to those used for high-speed passenger rides.
“The new code also critically addresses recommendations issued to the MCA by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
“We have spent several years engaging with stakeholders across the small commercial vessel sector. Conversations have shaped the new regulations, reflecting the growth, variety and new technology of vessels, which we want to help keep safe and thrive.”
Download the code: The Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code
Read the Sport or Pleasure regulations Q&A update for small vessels in commercial use