12 December 2024

The MCA has released the public consultation on the new Sport and Pleasure Code. 

The consultation can be found here: Consultation on the merchant shipping (vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure) regulations 2025 - GOV.UK

The new MCA Sport and Pleasure Code will replace the existing codes, MGN280, Blue, Yellow and Red Codes for the operation of small commercial vessels under 24m Load line length when used for sport or pleasure, including charter boats, boat clubs and membership club vessels. 

British Marine has set up an industry working group to look at the proposed new law, to identify any serious areas of conflict which will make the new Code unachievable for industry. This working group will support individuals and companies' ability to format their own consultation responses along with supporting the industry consultation response from British Marine. 

It is recognised that there have been a number of incidents and accidents, changes to technology and updates to pleasure vessel design and manufacture since the last code was published which underline that an update to the code is urgently needed, but we must ensure that the changes proposed are proportionate, achievable and will not unnecessarily burden this part of our sector. 

If you would like to find out more or join the BM working group please email rwombwell@britishmarine.co.uk