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Austal Wind Express Tri Swath 27, CABLE BAY. Chartered by Turbine Transfers working in the Wind Farm industry.
“It is a legal requirement that UK vessels (up to 24 metres load line length) in commercial operation or charter use, carry no more than 12 passengers and/or cargo, comply with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat Code of Practice and be issued with valid Certificates by a recognised Certifying Authority.”
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How many passengers can a vessel carry?
What is required to maintain your coded status?
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Anyone operating or intending to operate a vessel for commercial use or charter (skippered or bareboat). The vessel will need to be prepared and equipped to conform with the MCA Code of Practice MGN280.
The MCA Code of Practice applies to:
Full details of the Code (MGN 280) are available on the MCA website here.
The code requirements are divided into six main categories depending on the type and use of your vessel.
Oyster 62, UHURU. Built to MCA class 02 in order to comply with safety regulations. Recently sold by Berthon International.
Shipwright 70, DISCOVERY. A rugged and robust steel ketch built to MCA class 0 in order to comply with safety regulations.
The maximum number of passengers that you are allowed to carry is 12 (skipper and crew can be in addition to this).
The stability of the vessel will determine the number of people you are allowed to carry. You can refer to the ISO Design category of your vessel, which is located on your CE conformity plaque, normally found in the cockpit. This will give you a rating from A – C and the number of persons allowed to be carried.
This rating equates as follows:
Certifying authorities such as:
are responsible for administering the Code of Practice requirements set out by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). The certifying authority will appoint a registered coding surveyor to carry out the coding inspection.
A coding certificate is valid for up to 5 years from the date of issue.
Coastal survey vessel, SOLENT GUARDIAN. 18.3m × 6m coastal survey catamaran chartered by Environment Agency.
It is a requirement of code compliance that vessels are subject to a full out-of-water survey before the certificate is issued, including;
It is essential that you prepare and certify your vessel to comply with the MCA Small Commercial Vessel Code of Practice. Adhering to the Code of Practice is vital for the safety of your crew and charterers and peace of mind.
Berthon Boat Company have the skills and experience to help you bring your vessel up to the required standard. We can also organise an authorised surveyor who will provide the following services, ensuring full and safe certification.
Liaising directly with the MCA and all UK certifying authorities, Berthon offer a complete coding solution. We work closely with approved equipment suppliers to provide the best solution for our customers, to comply with the very latest regulations including:
Please contact us for a competitive quotation. Help and advice is free.
MGN 280 (M) – Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards