New MCA Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice to begin a phased introduction

New regulations for small commercial vessels used for sport or pleasure will begin a phased introduction from the end of the year, following their submission to Parliament today (20 November 2025) by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). 

The Safety of Small Vessels for Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure sets out the requirements that must be met by anyone operating a small commercial vessel in commercial use for sport or leisure purposes. 

As part of the industry technical working group, the RYA has been providing ongoing feedback to the MCA during the codes development to try to ensure new measures are proportionate, appropriate, and effective.  

“We welcome the new Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure Code of Practice which updates operational, structural and equipment standards to improve safety, communication and environmental protection” said Niall McLeod, Head of Competition & Technical Services. 

“This is the culmination of over three years work, throughout which our priority has been to help ensure that the updated requirements strengthen safety standards without placing any unwarranted burden on the sector. As such, we appreciate having had the opportunity to feedback during the development of the new code and are pleased several improvements have been taken on board. However, feedback has been considered at the discretion of the MCA, and some areas we would have liked to have seen improvements on remain unchanged. 

“As with any new legislation, a phased introduction for various elements of the code is welcome. There will no doubt be areas that require clarification as the range of vessels under the existing code, transfer to the new code”. 

Implementation will be phased in from 12 December 2025, starting only with new vessels entering either code for the first time.  

The changes will apply gradually to more vessels as their certificates come up for renewal or within three years, whichever is longer. Some of the standards under which existing vessels have been assessed will continue to be accepted under the new code.  

A frequently asked questions guide for the new code can be found on the MCA website.

Timeline of RYA Announcements & Feedback regarding the MCA Safety of Small Vessels for Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure  

• September 2022 until July 2023 - RYA involved as part of MCA Technical Working Group reviewing and commenting on draft wording chapter by chapter.

• August and September 2023 - RYA representatives attend 6 days of in person meetings of the MCA Technical Working Group to work through the various comments raised and industry concerns on the first draft.

• February 2024 - The MCA share with the Technical Working Group a version of the code they intend to release for a shortened 6-week public consultation. TWG members including the RYA express serious concerns that it is not fit for purpose with many issues raised at the previous TWG meetings remaining outstanding. 

• March 2024 - Thanks to lobbying by the RYA and others, the MCA agrees to a further 3 days of Technical Working Group meetings “to review and discuss any remaining areas of concern with the draft Code ahead of the public consultation.” 

• May 2024 - RYA Representatives attend further 3 days of in person Technical Working Group meetings arguing for further changes. MCA agrees to a full 12-week public consultation.

• December 2024 - 12-week Public consultation launched. RYA urges operators of UK-flagged small commercial vessels to have their say in MCA consultation.

• 04 February 2025 - MCA Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice explained. Key background on the code and proposed changes.

• February 2025 - RYA prepares public consultation response listening to feedback from the RYA Network and key stakeholders to shape it’s response. 

• 19 February 2025 - RYA share public consultation response to the MCA  Following further comments and concerns raised by key stakeholders at the RYA Training Conference, the RYA submits additional comments as part of its consultation response. 

• 25 February 2025 - Public consultation closes.

• 04 March 2025 - The RYA calls for the MCA to take the time to review and address feedback it has received.

• 15 May 2025 - RYA representatives attend MCA Stakeholder event where MCA brief on outcome of public consultation and discuss the planned changes they intend to make. RYA continues to push for further changes in line with our consultation response. 

• August 2025 - the MCA publishes the consultation report.