MCA

UK Maritime Innovation Hub is now live

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UK Maritime Innovation Hub is now live
UK Maritime Innovation Hub is now live

An initiative to help the UK’s marine sector become safer and reach decarbonisation goals has been launched. The UK Maritime Innovation Hub, a service of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), will be providing coordinated access to regulatory engagement for organisations developing innovative maritime technologies.

As maritime technologies evolve, timely engagement between innovators and the regulator is increasingly important. The UK Maritime Innovation Hub supports early dialogue to help organisations understand regulatory considerations, explore available pathways, and identify appropriate next steps. Continue reading “UK Maritime Innovation Hub is now live”

UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety

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IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement

Fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous industries, and the International Maritime Organization’s Cape Town Agreement (2012) aims to improve the safety of fishers on an international scale via the Cape Town Agreement.

The agreement sets out mandatory minimum safety standards for fishing vessels, more than 24m in length, and their crew, as well as the combating of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Coming into force next year, the Cape Town Agreement is expected to boost safety standards for tens of thousands of vessels worldwide, covering areas like survey and inspection, protection of crew, emergency procedures, and construction. Continue reading “UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety”

MCA update on MGN 708(M) Guidance on the merchant shipping ISM regulations

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The UK MCA has released an amendment to MGN 708(M), which sets out guidance and instructions regarding International Safety Management and the application of the Merchant Shipping International Safety Management Regulations 2026.

This notice replaces the 2014 ISM regulations and assimilated regulations 336/2006 in implementing the ISM code in UK law.

It also addresses certain gaps which arose in the previous legislation as a result of the UK leaving the EU, Continue reading “MCA update on MGN 708(M) Guidance on the merchant shipping ISM regulations”

Update on MGN 675 (M+F) guidance for control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments regulations

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Update on MGN 675 (M+F) guidance for control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments regulations
Update on MGN 675 (M+F) guidance for control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments regulations

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency has published an update to MGN 675 (M+F) Amendment 2 The merchant shipping (control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments) regulations 2022.

This notice provides important information on the UK’s implementation of the international convention for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments 2004, which aims to address the spread of invasive non-native species by ballast water and sediments. Continue reading “Update on MGN 675 (M+F) guidance for control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments regulations”

Workboat Code Edition 3 deadline – check the code, prepare the vessel, book the survey

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Kerrie Forster, CEO Workboat Association
Kerrie Forster, CEO Workboat Association

Workboat owners and operators with vessels requiring a survey by December 2026 are being urged to act now to avoid missing the deadline for transition to the updated Workboat Code Edition 3 safety standards.

The message is being issued jointly by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Workboat Association to those affected by transitional arrangements to the Workboat Code Edition 3 ending on 13 December 2026.

The aim is to avoid demand for surveys at the end of the year causing a shortage of slots, and the potential for vessels having to be tied up while they wait to be seen by certifying authorities. Continue reading “Workboat Code Edition 3 deadline – check the code, prepare the vessel, book the survey”

New documentation from the MCA

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New documentation from the MCA
New documentation from the MCA

There is a slew of new and revised documentation released by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) covering the period of December 2025 to January 2026.

Published on 12 December 2025

MSN 1908 (M+F) Amendment 2 – The merchant shipping (control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments) regulation 2022. This MSN provides the technical requirements of the obligations contained in the merchant shipping (control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments) regulations 2022 (SI 2022/737). Continue reading “New documentation from the MCA”

MCA lithium-ion battery update to fire safety MGN 681 (M)

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MCA lithium-ion battery update to fire safety MGN 681 (M)
MCA lithium-ion battery update to fire safety MGN 681 (M)

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has update to fire safety MGN 681 (M) and storage of small electric powered craft on yachts.

MGN 681 (M) Amendment 1 includes clarification for the functionality of storage and charging cabinets or boxes where these are used as part of the solution for the carriage of li-ion batteries used on personal vehicles. Continue reading “MCA lithium-ion battery update to fire safety MGN 681 (M)”

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. 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”

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