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
• MSN 1886 Amendment 2 MLC and ILO 188 medical standards
  • Guidance
  • 14 May 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• MSIS 2 The ISM Code
  • Statutory guidance
  • 7 October 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• MSN 1815 Amendment 6 Equivalent medical certificates
  • Guidance
  • 4 May 2021
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Enclosed spaces on sea-going vessels
  • Detailed guide
  • 3 May 2022
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency

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News and communications

• 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
• Consultation on the carriage of cargoes and dangerous goods launched
  • 18 January 2024
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • News story
• One workboat code launched to simplify safety rules and support new technology
  • 13 December 2023
  • 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

• 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
• Consultation on the carcinogens and mutagens regulations 2007
  • 18 October 2019
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • Closed consultation
  • Date closed 22 November 2019

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Organisations

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