15 April 2025

by Edward Tuite

The UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has initiated a six-week public consultation to revamp the Marine Equipment Regulations, aiming to enhance clarity and safety standards for shipowners, operators, and equipment manufacturers in the post-Brexit era. The consultation commenced on Monday, 14 April 2025, and will conclude on 27 May 2025. ​

The UK Mark of Conformity for marine equipment - the ‘Red Ensign’ - became mandatory on 1 January 2023 and applies to all marine equipment placed on board all UK vessels that was previously subject to the European Union’s Mark of Conformity for marine equipment (the ‘Wheel Mark’). 

This initiative proposes the revocation of the existing 2016 regulations and their 2019 amendments, replacing them with a consolidated framework titled the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2025.

The new regulations aim to provide flexibility by allowing exemptions for innovative technologies and offering a 'Letter of Acceptance' for the installation of non-UK approved equipment under specific conditions i.e. where there is no UK approved equipment available on the market, or the available approved equipment is not suitable for reasons of technical compatibility. Additionally, they will introduce updated requirements for Ballast Water Management Systems to align with international environmental standards. ​

British Marine encourage it’s affected members to participate in the consultation process, feedback can be submitted through the official UK government website until the closing date on 27 May 2025, we ask any members who are submitting responses to please copy the British Marine Technical team in via technical@britishmarine.co.uk.

For more information and to contribute to the consultation, visit the gov.uk website here.