Consultation closes: 25 February 2025 at 11:59 pm
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking views on a new Statutory Instrument and the accompanying Code of Practice for Small Vessels in Commercial use for Sport of Pleasure (“Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code”).
Consultation description
The Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 will apply to commercial vessels in UK or international waters as well as foreign vessels operating from UK ports whilst in the UK.
The new regulations will revoke and replace the 1998 rules, introducing updated standards through two Codes of Practice:
- The REG Yacht Code
- Part A is already in effect. The REG Yacht Code is not a part of this consultation but the new regulations will continue to give effect to this code. This Code applies to large vessels ( > 24 metres)
- The new Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code
- This Code applies to small vessels ( < 24 metres).
The regulations set out to provide comprehensive requirements for small and large vessels. Additionally, development of standards aim to address safety considerations, recommendations from marine accident investigations and introduces rules for usage of alternative fuels. The new regulations aim to create a clearer legal framework and ensure standardization of commercially operating vessels.
Find out more and share your views here.