District Marine Safety Committee Representative
Overview
The RYA is seeking committed volunteers to represent the organisation on Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) District Marine Safety Committees (DMSCs) in Liverpool, Cardiff, Hull, Ipswich, Southampton, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Belfast, and Plymouth. These committees play a vital role in shaping local marine safety, and the RYA is proud to have a voice at the table to represent the interests of leisure boating.
As a District Marine Safety Committee Representative, you will attend regional MCA safety meetings and act as a key link between the RYA, local water users, and the MCA. You’ll help ensure that the views of RYA members, affiliated clubs, recognised training centres, and the wider leisure boating community are heard and considered in discussions around safety, search and rescue provision, and environmental protection.
These roles require attendance at MCA safety meetings (typically 2–4 per year), plus occasional liaison with RYA teams and local stakeholders
Why Volunteer?
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to marine safety in your region. As a District Marine Safety Committee Representative, you’ll help shape local decision-making, ensure the voice of leisure boaters is heard, and support the RYA’s mission of creating a connected, inspired, and inclusive sailing and boating community.
You’ll be part of a network of passionate volunteers working collaboratively with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), local harbour authorities, and the RYA Safety Management Group to influence safety policy and practice.
Key Responsibilities
Attend meetings of the relevant MCA District Marine Safety Committee
Working with local RYA affiliated organisations, RYA recognised training centres, RYA members and water users more generally to identify potential impacts on activities within the RYA’s scope and within the area covered by the role.
To ensure that the views of the RYA are presented at DMSC meetings on relevant agenda items
Proposals for safety measures affecting leisure water users.
Search & Rescue provision.
Preventative aspects of water safety, environmental protection and control of pollution from vessels in the area.
Liaising, working with, supporting and informing other District Marine Safety Committee representatives and any relevant local harbour representatives.
Champion safety within your regional team.
Reporting periodically to the Regional Volunteer Team and when applicable the RYA Safety Management Group following any MCA District Marine Safety Committee meetings, requesting support and guidance as needed and alerting the RYA Safety Management Group to any local matters that could have national significance, to allow a national position to be developed and applied.
Providing an effective channel of communication between the local MCA Marine Offices, the RVT and when necessary, the RYA Safety Management Group.
Operate in line with the RYA’s values and volunteer procedures
You will also:
Help promote the RYA to others
Desirable Attributes
While not essential, the following would be beneficial:
Personal membership of the RYA and/or involvement with an affiliated club.
Willingness to attend Regional Volunteer Team meetings (approx. 4 per year).
Participation in annual Regional Hub meetings.
Support Provided
Guidance and resources from the RYA Safety Management Group.
Access to RYA policies, positions, and relevant documentation.
Invitations to appropriate RYA meetings and forums.
Reimbursement of reasonable travel and subsistence expenses for agreed activities.
Interested in applying or learning more?
Please contact Niall McLoed - Head of Competition & Technical Services
or
