Pleasure Vessels and the UK Merchant Shipping Regulations
Understand the distinction between a pleasure vessel and a vessel in commercial use.
Merchant Shipping Regulations Definition of a Pleasure Vessel
The Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 define a pleasure vessel as:
(a) any vessel which, at the time it is being used, is:
(i) in the case of a vessel wholly owned by:
(aa) an individual or individuals, used only for the sport or pleasure of the owner or the immediate family or friends of the owner; or
(bb) a body corporate, used only for sport or pleasure and on which the persons on board are employees or officers of the body corporate, or their immediate family or friends; and
(ii) on a voyage or excursion for which the owner does not receive money for or in connection with operating the vessel or carrying any person, other than as a contribution to the direct expenses of the operation of the vessel incurred during the voyage or excursion; or
(b) any vessel wholly owned by or on behalf of a members’ club formed for the purpose of sport or pleasure which, at the time it is being used, is used only for the sport or pleasure of members of that club or their immediate family, and for the use of which any charges levied are paid into club funds and applied for the general use of the club,
where, in the case of any vessel referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), no other payments are made by or on behalf of users of the vessel other than by the owner. In this definition:
- Immediate family means, in relation to an individual, the spouse or civil partner of the individual, and a relative of the individual or the individual’s spouse or civil partner.
- Relative means brother, sister, ancestor or lineal descendant.
Understanding Ownership Type
The pleasure vessel definition distinguishes between three ownership types:
- Individual owner
- Body corporate (e.g. a legal entity such as an incorporated charity or a company)
- Members’ club formed for sport or pleasure (e.g. a sailing club)
The distinction affects whether a vessel falls within the pleasure vessel definition.
For body corporates, the definition places specific requirements on who is on board (only employees, officers or their immediate families or friends).
For individual owners and members’ clubs, the vessel must be used for the sport or pleasure of the owners or members, but the owners themselves do not need to be on board.
Examples
- A club launch driven by a paid employee (who is not a member) remains a pleasure vessel if it is being used for the sport or pleasure of club members.
- A personal RIB loaned by a club member to help lay marks while they are racing is still a pleasure vessel, because the use directly supports the owner’s own sporting activity.
- A boat owned by an incorporated charity and used to take members of the public sailing is a commercial vessel, because it is owned by a corporate body and the people on board are not limited to employees, officers, or their immediate families or friends.
This is a basic guide only and we suggest checking the regulations directly to confirm whether you boat complies.
Vessel in Commercial Use
A vessel that does not meet the statutory definition of a pleasure vessel is regarded as being in commercial use. Operators must ensure compliance with the relevant certification and safety requirements.
Vessels under 24 metres that are operated commercially for sport or pleasure may fall under the Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code, introduced under the Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025. This Code sets safety and compliance standards for small commercial vessels.
For sailing vessels being used commercially for racing events or as race support boats, alternative requirements are contained within Section 27 of the Code. These provide an alternative to complying with the full Code.
Larger commercial vessels (24 metres and above) fall under the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code. This Code sets out the mandatory safety and operational requirements for large commercial yachts.
Compliance Reminder
Operating a vessel commercially without the appropriate certification, or without compliance with the relevant Code of Practice, may constitute an offence under UK maritime legislation.
