MCA Updates: Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure

Following a two-year discussion period between the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (the MCA) and its stakeholders, including commercial operators, manufacturers and industry bodies, The Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 (the Regulations) came into force on 12 December 2025, giving legal effect to the Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code (The Safety of Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure – A Code of Practice) (the Code of Practice).

The objectives behind the introduction of the Code of Practice include the desire to create a single, modernised regulatory standard to reflect and align with advances in technology, implement improvements and learnings around safety practices, and provide a regulatory footing for environmental considerations. It is intended to address the immediate demands of today while anticipating the needs of the future. For example, the Code of Practice makes provision for hybrid and electric propulsion systems, recognising this as an area of future growth.

The Regulations and Code of Practice between them replace the previously applicable kaleidoscope of regulations, including the Yellow Code, the Blue Code, the Red Code and the IPV Code. The Code of Practice is applicable to small (under 24 metre) vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure that operate at sea, which do not carry cargo, and which carry not more than twelve passengers; all UK-registered small vessels are within scope, as well as non-UK vessels operating from UK ports while in UK waters. Excluded from the scope of the Code of Practice are (among others) small vessels operating underwater, those carrying cargo, and hovercrafts. A different regulatory regime applies to large vessels, being those which are over 24 metres in load line length. The new regime may be of relevance to the tenders of commercial yachts falling within scope.

There will be a transition period for existing vessels whose keels were laid (or which were at a similar stage of construction) before 12 December 2025; such vessels will transition at their next scheduled renewal examination or within three years (whichever is longer). The transition period aims to provide owners and operators with the time necessary to familiarise themselves with the new requirements, review certifications, schedule updated surveys, and plan for any necessary upgrades or modifications to achieve compliance.

The Code of Practice is designed to provide a comprehensive scheme of regulation as regards elements including (but not limited to) design, construction, engineering, fire safety, safety management systems, maintenance of environmental standards, manning requirements and crew qualifications. It is therefore of relevance to a large variety of industry actors including builders, designers and architects, repairers, vessel managers and operators, and crew management providers.

Although a great deal of effort has clearly gone into making the Code of Practice as user friendly as possible, there will inevitably be grey areas and the devil will be in the detail when determining the precise requirements applicable to the various types of small commercial vessel operating within the scope of the Code of Practice. Owners and operators are strongly encouraged to consider the impact of the Code of Practice on their operations, and to take proactive steps to anticipate changes to ensure compliance.