Regulations

Find out about regulations for UK-registered vessels and vessels in UK waters or operating from UK ports

Pleasure craft regulations

Key regulations applicable to pleasure craft

Motor cruiser moored at marina on sunny day

Pleasure craft regulations overview

Find out which regulations you might need to be aware of if you are operating a UK-flagged pleasure craft or operating a foreign-flagged pleasure craft in UK waters.

crew working together on yachtmaster fasttrack course

SOLAS V regulations

Learn about the SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) chapter V regulations for pleasure craft under 150GT

Licensing onboard electronics

Find out about licence and registration requirements for onboard devices and transmitting equipment

two ladies on boat, one steering, and one talking on the radio.

EMF compliance and enforcement

Understand how to comply with Ofcom’s electromagnetic field (EMF) licence condition

Inland navigations

Learn which organisations and authorities have jurisdiction over UK inland waterways, and which regulations apply

The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023

Learn about legislation introduced to help regulate watercraft and prevent dangerous misuse

Pleasure vessel regulations

Regulations specific to ‘pleasure vessels’ as defined in the UK Merchant Shipping Regulations

Pleasure vessels and the UK merchant shipping regulations

Understand the distinction between a ‘pleasure vessel’ and a ‘vessel in commercial use for sport or pleasure’

Equipment for UK pleasure vessels

Find out about mandatory and recommended equipment for UK pleasure vessels, including differing requirements for vessels over or under 13.7m in length

Mandatory equipment for Class XII vessels

Learn which equipment regulations and related exemptions apply to pleasure vessels 13.7m in length and over

choppy ocean with motor cruiser and sailing yacht in the distance

Incident and accident reporting

As detailed in MGN 564, there is no statutory requirement for "pleasure vessels" to report accidents, however voluntary reporting is encouraged.

Vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure

Guidance on the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code (a code of practice for the safety of small vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure)

Pleasure vessels and the UK merchant shipping regulations

Understand the distinction between a ‘pleasure vessel’ and a ‘vessel in commercial use for sport or pleasure’

The Safety of Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure – A Code of Practice

Understand how the MCA’s code of practice for small commercial vessels in use for sport or pleasure applies and what it replaces.

Race support boats and the MCA Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code

Understand race support boat requirements and key changes from Part 2 of the Intended Pleasure Vessel Code

Other regulations and guidance

diesel engine course group of people standing around an engine

Buying diesel

Understand the regulations, pricing and procedures for purchasing diesel for use in pleasure craft

Flag etiquette

Learn what flag to fly where and when according to law and maritime tradition

Disposing of out of date flares

Learn where and how you can legally and safely dispose of unwanted or out-of-date flares

IMO guidelines: Pleasure craft

Pleasure craft users are asked to be vigilant regarding both the security of their own vessel and the activities of other craft in their vicinity

Member guidance

The following guidance pages are available to RYA members only

One white sailing yacht floats on the sea with waves and spray. The view from the side

Carrying knives

Legal team guidance on carrying knives for boating related purposes

Towing and roof racking boats

Legal team guidance on road vehicle law related to towing boats and roof racking dinghies, masts, or other boat equipment