Commercial sport or pleasure small vessels consultation
Views sought on proposed update of regulations for small commercial vessels used for sport or pleasure.
A consultation has been launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) focusing on safety and innovation support for small vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure.
The proposed new Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 will underpin two codes of practice setting standards across the sector, for vessels below and above 24 metres in length.
The aim is to provide clear and pragmatic rules to better reflect the commercial sector’s growing variety of craft and activities – ranging from sailing vessels engaged in racing activities and race support boats, to high-speed craft carrying passengers on sightseeing trips.
The updates include important safety measures for small commercial vessels used for sport or pleasure, such as Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recommendations for the sector.
They also provide an enabling regulatory framework for vessels using alternative fuel sources and propulsion types to help to keep the United Kingdom at the forefront of decarbonising the shipping industry.
The new Code of Practice hopes to better supports technological innovation and clarifies survey and inspection requirements for commercial owners and operators.
Find out more about the consultation and how to respond.
The closing date for responses is Tuesday 25 February 2025.
First published 9 December 2024