MCA

MCA published its new Sport or Pleasure Code

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MCA new Sport or Pleasure Code for commercial craft published
MCA new Sport or Pleasure Code for commercial craft published

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. Continue reading “MCA published its new Sport or Pleasure Code”

MCA releases MGN 591 Amendment 3 to remind about safe access

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MCA releases MGN 591 Amendment 3 to remind about safe access
MCA releases MGN 591 Amendment 3 to remind about safe access

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has updated its guidance on safe access for small vessels and fishing boats with the release of MGN 591 (M+F) Amendment 3. While the amendment itself only updates references, the message is clear: unsafe boarding arrangements continue to cause serious – and sometimes fatal – accidents. Recent MAIB reports highlight falls from ladders, poorly lit pontoons, and gaps between vessels as recurring risks. Continue reading “MCA releases MGN 591 Amendment 3 to remind about safe access”

Maritime Labour Convention inspections MGN 600 for coded vessels updated by MCA

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Maritime Labour Convention inspections MGN 600 for coded vessels updated by MCA
Maritime Labour Convention inspections MGN 600 for coded vessels updated by MCA

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published MGN 600 (M) Amendment 3, which updates the inspection requirements for coded vessels under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

The updated guidance clarifies inspection procedures for vessels under 500GT, ensuring they meet the MLC’s core principles, including appropriate crew accommodation, fair working conditions, regulated rest hours, and comprehensive health and safety measures. These changes aim to align the standards for coded vessels more closely with international maritime regulations, strengthening compliance across the sector. Specifically there is an added annexe which provides an inspection report form. Continue reading “Maritime Labour Convention inspections MGN 600 for coded vessels updated by MCA”

UK MCA publishes acceptable chart system update

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The MCA acceptable chart system has been updated
The MCA acceptable chart system has been updated

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published an amendment accepting electronic chart systems for commercial fishing and small vessels up to 24 metres in length.

The update goes under MGN 319 (M+F) Amendment 2 – Acceptance of electronic chart systems for fishing vessels and small vessels in commercial use (code boats) up to 24 metres in load line length (SV-ECS).

The MCA will accept electronic chart systems complying with the Small Vessel Electronic Chart System (SV-ECS) performance standard as satisfying the chart carriage requirements stipulated within SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 for applicable vessels. Continue reading “UK MCA publishes acceptable chart system update”

New guidance for smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels published

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MGN 705 - Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels has been published
MGN 705 – Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels has been published

New guidance on smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels (ROUVs) has been released, published by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) 705 (M) came into force 31 December 2024 setting out a pathway for operation of the rapidly growing number of hi-tech ROUVs between 2.5-4.5 metres in length. It puts the UK among the first in the world to formally set out the scope of regulation and operators’ obligations in this emerging category, as well as the MCA’s commitments to well-founded oversight that keeps people safe. Publication is the first step since extensive consultation began in 2022 with a range of maritime industries.

The core of MGN 705 (M) is a two-year general exemption for eligible ROUVs. It Continue reading “New guidance for smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels published”

Consultation open for the UK merchant shipping regulations 2025

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The new Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code reflects the development of standards since the publication of the previous editions
The new Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code reflects the development of standards since the publication of the previous editions

The UK Merchant Shipping Regulations 2025  for Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure (“the new Regulations”) will apply to vessels used commercially for Sport or Pleasure. The new Regulations will apply to seagoing United Kingdom vessels wherever they may be and to other seagoing vessels operating from United Kingdom ports whilst in United Kingdom waters.

The new Regulations will revoke and replace the Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/2771) (“the 1998 Regulations”). The new Regulations will give effect to two Codes of Practice: Continue reading “Consultation open for the UK merchant shipping regulations 2025”

MCA publishes MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels

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MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels has been released
MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels has been released

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has released a MGN pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels.

The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall and the accompanying MSN 1871 Amendment 2 allow vessels of less than 15m Length Overall (LOA) built before 16 July 2007 to be considered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for Registration as fishing vessels.

MGN 630 Amendment 4 (F) Fishing vessels: Pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels sets out the process in place to ensure the MCA Continue reading “MCA publishes MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels”

MCA releases MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1(M) Pleasure vessels

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MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1 (M) Pleasure vessels – regulations and exemptions has been released
MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1 (M) Pleasure vessels – regulations and exemptions has been released

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency has released a new MGN which provides guidance and best practice for pleasure vessels, and general exemptions for Class XI vessels.
MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1 (M) Pleasure vessels – regulations and exemptions provides guidance for pleasure vessels and has been developed in consultation with British Marine (BM), Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and Yacht Brokers, Designers and Surveyors Association (YBDSA).

It introduces the concept of Intended Pleasure Vessels, includes a new Exemption from fire extinguishing regulations on close-down, Continue reading “MCA releases MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1(M) Pleasure vessels”

Updated guidance for MGN 436 (M+F) issued by the MCA on mitigating against the effects of shocks and impacts on small vessels

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Updated guidance for MGN 436 (M+F) issued by the MCA
Updated guidance for MGN 436 (M+F) issued by the MCA

MGN 436 (M+F) Amendment 4 gives guidance for operators, managers, owners and builders of small vessels on mitigating the risk of injury from whole body vibration (WBV) on small vessels, and in particular severe and repeated shocks (RS) as a result of impacts.

There have been a number of incidents involving small craft, travelling at a wide range of speeds, receiving predominantly vertical shock impact when coming off a wave, resulting in injury to one or more persons on board. The effects of crossing seas and side-on waves can also cause injury. Incidents have occurred on inland waters and estuaries as well as at sea, Continue reading “Updated guidance for MGN 436 (M+F) issued by the MCA on mitigating against the effects of shocks and impacts on small vessels”

MAIB report into the fatal Eder Sands man overboard incident

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fatal Eder Sands man overboard incident report published
fatal Eder Sands man overboard incident report published

On 7 October 2022, a deckhand from the UK registered gill netter Eder Sands fell overboard while the vessel was shooting a net approximately 150 nautical miles west of Ireland. Despite an extensive 21-hour search that involved other vessels and fixed-wing aircraft, the crew member was not found.

Safety issues

– The unwritten on board process for shooting nets was unsafe and required crew to work at height without appropriate guard rails or a safety harness and tether to protect them. Continue reading “MAIB report into the fatal Eder Sands man overboard incident”

New MCA notes, guidance and advice

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New MCA notes, guidance and advice
New MCA notes, guidance and advice

Here are the most recent MCA notes, guidance and advice to be released for the period December 2023 to January 2024.

Released on 12 December 2023
MGN 691 (M) Navigation and radar training requirements for workboat code 3
Go to https://bit.ly/47tvJzw

Released on 19 December 2023
The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall
Go to https://bit.ly/4aTUdoy

Released on 21 December 2023
MSN 1870 (M+F) Amendment 5 Personal protective equipment regulations 1999 Continue reading “New MCA notes, guidance and advice”

MCA Workboat Code edition 3 becomes law

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The new edition of the code will be statutory from 13th December 2023
The new edition of the code will be statutory from 13th December 2023

Following many months of protracted discussions and consultation earlier this year, Workboat Code edition 3 is set to become law from 13 December 2023. From this date onwards this Code must only be used for new workboats and pilot boats.

Existing vessels that are certificated under the Brown Code, its equivalent standard published in the technical Annex to MGN 280(M), or Workboat Code Edition 2, Amendment 1 shall meet the requirements of Workboat Code edition 3 by the vessel’s next renewal examination or three years after the date of entry into force of the Code, Continue reading “MCA Workboat Code edition 3 becomes law”

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