Safe and compliant operation of vessels

Safety standards and advice for vessel operators.

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Services

• The CERS workbook

  Vessels and shipping agents should use the CERS workbook to provide the information needed to the port authority.

• How to apply for a safe manning document for yachts

  Complete MSF4208 to apply for a safe manning document for a yacht

• Statement of compliance with yacht codes

  The form to be completed by the classification society on completion of survey

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Guidance and regulation

• MGN 280 (M) Construction standards for small vessels in sport use
  • Guidance
  • 28 October 2004
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• 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)
  • Guidance
  • 13 January 2025
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Small vessel ECS performance standard (SV-ECS)
  • Guidance
  • 13 January 2025
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• MSN 1886 Amendment 2 MLC and ILO 188 medical standards
  • Guidance
  • 14 May 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• MGN 705 (M) Remotely operated unmanned vessels (ROUVs) of 2.5 metres to less than 4.5 metres in length overall
  • Guidance
  • 31 December 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency

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News and communications

• ‘Safe and evidence-led': New guidance for smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels
  • 31 December 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Press release
• Changes to maritime law ‘reflect the ever-evolving needs of the seafarer’
  • 11 December 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Press release
• New tool locates MCA-approved life-saving appliance service stations
  • 30 September 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Press release
• Regulation updates will support enforcement in UK waters
  • 2 April 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Press release
• ‘More accessible and easy to use’ – updates to health and safety handbook complete
  • 28 March 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Press release

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Research and statistics

• Perceptions of behavioural interventions to promote the wearing of personal flotation devices by fishers
  • 26 September 2024
  • Department for Transport
  • Research

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Policy papers and consultations

• Consultation on implementation of the MLC 2006, amendments 2022
  • 10 December 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Open consultation
  • Closing date 22 January 2025
• Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers review project
  • 13 February 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Consultation outcome
  • Date closed 21 November 2023
• The Merchant Shipping (Counting and registration of persons on board) (amendment) regulations 2023
  • 14 April 2023
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Consultation outcome
  • Date closed 28 March 2023
• Consultation to review MSN 1870 (M+F) Amendment 4 the merchant shipping and fishing vessels (personal protective equipment) regulations 1999
  • 20 December 2022
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Consultation outcome
  • Date closed 25 November 2022
• Consultation on entry into enclosed space regulations on ships
  • 12 October 2021
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Consultation outcome
  • Date closed 19 July 2021

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Organisations

• Maritime & Coastguard Agency
• Department for Transport
• Defence Safety Authority
• Ministry of Defence
• Office for Zero Emission Vehicles