UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) release new guidance for pleasure vessels

The UK Government has published a set of six Marine Guidance Notes (MGN) to reinforce to managing agents, skippers and owners what is good practice in terms of safety when going out to sea. This is in a bid to reduce the risk of any accidents occurring as a result of not following the most acceptable standards of safety required.

Below are notices to all designers, builders, surveyors, owners, managing agents, skippers, crew and Certifying Authorities of yachts and powerboats including pleasure vessels and small commercial vessels:

MGN 617 (M) Yacht and powerboat safety at sea – emergency procedures, equipment and actions – good practice

MGN 616 (M) Yacht and powerboat safety at sea – rigs and rigging – good practice for inspection

MGN 615 (M) Yacht and powerboat safety at sea – preparedness for non-coastal passages – good practice

MGN 614 (M) Yacht and powerboat safety at sea – stowage of life-saving appliances – good practice

MGN 613 (M) Yacht and powerboat safety at sea – grounding of fixed fin keel GRP yachts – good practice

MGN 612 (M) Yacht and powerboat safety at sea – maintenance, modifications, damage and repairs – good practice

In addition, a consultation response to the above MGNs entitled yacht and powerboat safety at sea has been released:

Consultation on yacht and powerboat safety at sea