The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is running a 12-week consultation to gather views on proposed changes to regulations for small commercial vessels used for sport or pleasure.

The Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 will revoke and replace the current regulations from 1998, with the new regulations giving effect to two codes of practice:

• Part A of the REG Yacht Code for large vessels of 24 metres or more load line length
• The new Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code for small vessels of less than 24 metres load line length

The new regulations comprise important safety measures including recommendations from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), regulatory framework for vessels using alternative fuel sources and propulsion types, and support on technological innovation as well as clarification on survey and inspection requirements.

As the variety of vessels and activities grow in the commercial space, the new regulations aim to deliver clear and realistic rules to better reflect and support the sector.

The consultation opened on 4 December 2024 and will close on 25 February 2025.

Find out more and share your views in the consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025.

Visit GOV.UK to find out what Rob Taylor, MCA Code Vessel Lead said.