The MCA code developed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency is a code that gathers together and redefines in one document all the safety and operational rules and standards, from UK regulations and International Conventions, which already apply but have rarely been enforced on commercially operating yachts. 

The Code recognizes that; "Vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure do not fall naturally into a single class and, in any case, prescribed merchant ship safety standards may be incompatible with the safety needs particular to such vessels." This code also accordingly sets standards which are judged to be equivalent in effect to those required by the conventions, but which still "identify with the specific needs" of yachts.

There have always been international safety requirements for all commercial vessels over 24 meters; however these have very rarely been enforced for private charter yachts in the past. As yachts have now become larger and more numerous, and chartering is a major worldwide business, it is inevitable that governments will expand their aggressive Port State Control inspection system to commercial yachts. The international safety and construction rules were written for merchant ships of many thousands of tons and quite impossible to apply to yachts.

 The MCA has produced this "Code" as a substitute for the stringent international rules, after several years of negotiation with the yachting associations and yacht designers. It is unique as it recognizes and supports our industry as a defined professional entity. Other countries are now expected to adopt it in a similar form, including the USCG and EEC. 

Who does it affect?

It applies to yachts of the Red Ensign Group which:

- are in commercial use for sport or pleasure, thus not "pleasure yachts",

- are 24 meters or over in load line length, or 150 gross tons (GT) and over if built before 21 July 1968, (separate Codes already exist for vessels under 24 meters).

- do not carry cargo; do not carry more than 12 passengers.