Certification under the MCA Small Commercial Vessel Code of Practice

All UK vessels in commercial use, up to 24 metres load line length, which go to sea and carry no more than 12 passengers and/or cargo, are required by law to comply with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat Code of Practice and be issued with Certificates of Compliance by an authorised Certifying Authority. The Code covers:

• Sailing charter vessels, both skippered and bareboat
• Motor charter vessels including angling and dive boats
• Motor vessels carrying up to 12 passengers
• RIBs operating commercially
• Workboats
• Pilot boats

The Code requires each vessel to undergo a full out-of-water Condition Survey, a check of its safety and lifesaving equipment and an assessment of its stability before a Certificate is issued.

Our Surveyors currently provide certification for two different MCA Certifying Authorities:

Yacht Designers & Surveyors Association

International Institute of Marine Surveyors

To download:

• MCA Code of practice (MGN 280M) click here.
• Guide to Costs & Requirements for the MCA Certification click here.

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