MCA Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice: Public Consultation Process Announced
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has been working on a new “Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice”, so legislation is updated to meet the rapidly changing needs of the small commercial vessel sector.
It details the potential future mandatory requirements to be followed by anyone who wishes to operate a UK-flagged small commercial vessel.
For the first time, this proposed code is now available to view online, entering a vital 12-week public consultation period, allowing those affected to voice their opinions and highlight areas that they feel require change.
A small commercial vessel is one which does not meet the definition of a pleasure vessel, and has a loadline length of less than 24m.
At the RYA, we urge everyone who may fall into this category to carefully review the proposed changes and respond swiftly to the public consultation process via the online form.
The MCA Code Vessels team have developed the new code over several years. The RYA, alongside other organisations, has worked with the MCA to provide feedback on behalf of our community to help influence the new code so that it is both relevant and proportionate for the industry.
Some progress was made in challenging the early development of the code, with resulting changes in areas related to stability assessments, towing permissions, training and survey requirements. While RYA acknowledges the improvements, concerns have remained, and we recognise that the new code will affect individuals and groups within the sector to varying degrees.
The RYA is reviewing the most recent draft version of the code to prepare our response and urges all those affected to take part in the consultation process. Collectively, we can exert our influence and help ensure the final code is fit for purpose, proportionate, practical and achieves the intended outcome of a safer small commercial vessel sector.
Have your say
Public feedback should be provided via the Consultation Response Form by 11.59pm on Tuesday 25 February 2025. Once the form is completed, this should be sent to Codes@mcga.gov.uk including Sport or Pleasure Code Consultation 2024 in the subject line.
Following the consultation process, the MCA will consider the feedback from the public and determine what, if any, changes will be made to the draft. The final version will then be laid before Parliament prior to coming into force.
Only with clear and objective responses from the public, can the code be revisited for change and so it is vital that everyone affected has their say.
The RYA is reviewing the most recent version of the “Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice" and relevant information will be made available in due course.