Regulations

The Merchant Shipping Regulations apply to all vessels under the UK flag and vessels in UK waters or operating from UK ports, including recreational boats and boaters.  Learn more about what this means for you.

What type of boating do you do?
Pleasure craft regulations

The Merchant Shipping Regulations apply to all vessels under the UK flag and vessels in UK waters or operating from UK ports.

 
Inland navigations - UK waterways

Whether your boat is in private use or commercial use, it is important to be aware which Authority presides over the waterway you are on, to ensure that you are complying with the correct regulations.

 
Small Commercial Vessels

Should your boat be commercially coded? A brief overview.

 

Guidance on the electromagnetic field (EMF) licence condition introduced in 2021.

Flares contain explosives, once they are past their expiry date it is essential that they are disposed of carefully.

Flag etiquette is a combination of law and maritime tradition.

Guidance for RYA members towing boats, or roofracking dinghies, masts or other boat equipment.

Buying diesel

Make sure you are buying the correct fuel, at the correct price, supported by the correct paperwork.

 
Fuel carriage & storage

Information for RYA members detailing the legal restrictions on carrying and storing petrol and diesel in the UK.

 
Carrying knives

Guidance for RYA members on the carrying of sailing knives.

 
Equipment for UK Pleasure Vessels

Make sure you are properly equipped before going on the water.

 
Recreational Craft Regulations/Directive

The RYA RCR and RCD Guide for Boats available to RYA members.

 
Fishing gear entanglements

A concern to boaters for many years and it has been on the RYA’s agenda for just as long.

 
IMO guidelines for the security of pleasure craft

Guidance issued by the International Maritime Organization.

 
Towing and roof racking boats in the UK

Guidance for RYA members towing boats, or roofracking dinghies, masts or other boat equipment.

 
Water Framework Directive

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) promotes a new approach to water management through river basin planning.

 

Your VHF radio, EPIRB, radar, TV etc must all be covered by appropriate licences, as must any other transmitting equipment on board a boat.