The new Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or
Pleasure) Regulations 2025 will set clear, pragmatic standards
across the sector by underpinning two codes of practice for
vessels below and above 24 metres in length.
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.
The regulations provide a
consistent framework that better reflects the
commercial sector's growing variety of craft and activities –
ranging from sailing vessels, including those engaged in
racing activities and race support boats, to high-speed craft
carrying passengers on sightseeing trips.
Important updates include:
-
responses to relevant safety recommendations by the
Marine Accident Investigation Branch, including those
relating to fatal incidents
-
an enabling regulatory framework for vessels using
alternative fuels and propulsion, to help keep the
UK at the forefront of decarbonising the shipping
industry
-
support for technological innovation and further clarity of
survey and inspection requirements for commercial owners and
operators
The changes follow at least two years of
discussion between the MCA and commercial
operators, manufacturers and industry bodies, including
a 12-week consultation that concluded on 25 February and a
stakeholders' conference on 15 May.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said:
British Marine welcomes the introduction of the Maritime and
Coastguard Agency's new Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code,
recognising it as a significant step forward in modernising
safety standards across the commercial leisure marine sector.
This Code reflects over two years of extensive collaboration
between the MCA, British Marine and a wide range of
industry stakeholders through dedicated working groups, ensuring
that the final framework is both practical and proportionate.
Kerry McMillan, Chief Executive of the Association of Sail
Training Organisations (ASTO), said:
ASTO welcomes the MCA's recent revision of the
Regulations for Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or
Pleasure to take into account developments in modern
seafaring and best practice.
Safety and the welfare of those at sea is central to what our
member organisations deliver when taking their
beneficiaries – young people and people of all ages
with disabilities – on life-changing residential
adventures at sea.
Bringing complex Codes of Practice such as this up to date can be
challenging which makes the opportunity to be heard through
public consultation and stakeholder meetings all the
more important.
We are keen to carry on working in partnership with the MCA in
the future to ensure that the beneficiaries of our member
organisations continue to be able to access the personal
development and enrichment that sail training offers. This in
turn builds better communities for us all as well as greater
knowledge of the sea and the maritime sector.
Rob Taylor, MCA Code Vessel Lead, said:
This update is long overdue and will support
commercial owners and operators by adding relevance and clarity
to safety requirements for survey and inspection and
innovation.
These pragmatic changes recognise the development of standards
and the significant shift in use of technology and the growing
variety of craft and activities in the commercial sector since
the Colour Codes and MGN 280 were first published, providing for
all types of vessels: from racing sailing yachts to those
used for high-speed passenger rides.
The new code also critically addresses recommendations issued to
the MCA by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
We have spent several years engaging with stakeholders across the
small commercial vessel sector. Conversations have shaped the new
regulations, reflecting the
growth, variety and new technology of
vessels, which we want to help keep safe and thrive.
The regulations are being laid before Parliament today (20
November 2025) with application to be phased in from 12 December
2025.
The new Code can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-sport-or-pleasure-vessel-code
To find out more, visit this Q&A: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulations-update-for-small-vessels-in-commercial-use-for-sport-or-pleasure
Background:
The new regulations will give effect to two codes of
practice: the new ‘Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code' for small
vessels of less than 24 metres load line length; and
the existing Part A of the REG Yacht Code for large
vessels of 24 metres or more load line length.
Light duty workboat opportunities will continue under the
Workboat Code Edition 3 by application for a ‘Light Duty Workboat
Certificate' which allows vessels certificated under the Sport or
Pleasure Vessel Code to also be certificated for light duty (up
to 1,000kg of cargo) workboat operations.
The new Regulations will apply to seagoing UK vessels wherever
they may be and to other seagoing
vessels operating from UK ports whilst in UK waters.
