Collection

Small craft codes of practice

Collection of documents about safety codes of practice for small (up to 24m) vessels

• From: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Published: 25 February 2021
• Last updated: 27 November 2023 — See all updates

Small commercial vessels operating under the UK flag and in UK waters must comply with the merchant shipping regulations or an MCA code of practice.

• small motor vessels

• small sailing vessels

• small workboats and pilot boats

• small commercial vessels used for sport/leisure

Workboat codes

• The Workboat Code Edition 3
  • 22 January 2025
  • Statutory guidance
• The workboat code edition 2 - amendment 1
  • 24 February 2021
  • Statutory guidance

Code of Practice

• MGN 280 (M) Construction standards for small vessels in sport use
  • 28 October 2004
  • Guidance
• Intended Pleasure Vessels (IPV) code
  • 17 December 2018
  • Statutory guidance
• Small craft codes
  • 24 February 2021
  • Statutory guidance

Stability guidance booklets

• Stability guidance booklets for powered and sailing vessels
  • 17 July 2024
  • Guidance

Other information booklets

• Small vessels in commercial use
  • 12 February 2021
  • Guidance

Published 25 February 2021

Last updated 27 November 2023 + show all updates

1. 27 November 2023

   The Workboat Code Edition 3 and accompanying MIN 698 added to collection.

2. 25 February 2021

   First published.