MCA issues MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1
28 November 2024

This MGN provides guidance for pleasure vessels and has been developed in consultation with British Marine (BM), Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and Yacht Brokers, Designers and Surveyors Association (YBDSA). 

It introduces the concept of Intended Pleasure Vessels, includes a new Exemption from fire extinguishing regulations on close-down, provides an amended Exemption with phase-out of ORC Liferafts for Class XII Vessels, and includes the existing Exemption from Class XII Fire Protection regulations. 

It includes the following details and guidance on Disapplication and Exemptions from Merchant Shipping Regulations:

  • Annex 1: Exemption for Pleasure Vessels of 13.7m or over from the Merchant Shipping Life - Saving Appliances Regulations.

  • Annex 2: Exemption for Pleasure Vessels of 13.7m or over from certain provisions of the Merchant Shipping Fire Protection (Small Ships) Regulations.

  • Annex 3: Exemption for Pleasure Vessels of 13.7m or over from sections of Regulation 38 of the Merchant Shipping Fire Protection (Small Ships) Regulations.

There is also Guidance on Single-Voyage Temporary Commercial Use at Sea, Guidance on Pleasure Vessels Regulations for Safety of Navigation, Guidance on Pollution Prevention Regulations for Pleasure Vessels and best practice General Advice for all Pleasure Vessels (not just Class XII).

Further specific advice can be sought by members emailing technical@britishmarine.co.uk and a link to MGN 599 (M) amm1 can be found HERE.