An agreement with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency means that more small new build fishing vessels will have access to external surveyors and engineers. 

From today, 30 October, the Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors (SCMS) will be authorised by the MCA to conduct plan approvals for all fishing vessels up to 15m in length.

Before SCMS only worked with vessels up to 12m in length, so increasing its services intends to help even more fishermen with a variety of vessels and sizes.

The society will also be authorised to conduct surveys of and supervise new build fishing vessels up to 15m in length.  

With the new agreement underway, it is anticipated the cost-effective, efficient service will lead to an increase in resources and shorter waiting times.

Virginia McVea, Maritime and Coastguard Agency Chief Executive, said:

“We are so thrilled to begin this new arrangement with SCMS, which we hope will be of benefit to the builders and owners of fishing vessels.

“With these changes SCMS can do what it does best to help our fishing community, and, listening to industry feedback, we hope these updates to the service can address some concerns around waiting times.  

“With this agreement we can increase resilience and maintain the high-quality service the MCA always aligns itself with.”

Vessels awaiting plan approval or build supervision on or before 30 October will remain under supervision of the MCA.

If you intend to build a vessel of less than 15m in length you will need to contact SCMS.

More information can be found via Marine Information Notice 697.