Domestic Survey Operations

The Domestic Survey Operations Team provides operational technical support with respect to the survey operations of the domestically trading commercial fleet.

This includes domestic passenger vessels, fishing vessels, Code vessels, High Speed Craft, including The High Speed Offshore Service Craft (HSOSC) Code, hovercraft, sail training vessels, submersible craft, vessels of Classes IX, IX(A) and IX(A)(T) and Chain Ferries. Guidance on vessel classification and certification can be found on gov.uk.

The Domestic Survey Operations Team also provide technical expertise and input to stakeholders, including interfacing between industry, innovation, operations and policy with regards to facilitating the MCA's regulatory response and development to the innovative technological developments.
 

Certifying Authorities

The Domestic Survey Operations Team acts as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Certifying Authority (CA), and the MCA also authorises a number of Certifying Authorities as well. You can find a list of MCA authorised Certifying Authorities and their contact details on gov.uk

For information and guidance on Codes of Practice and the authorisation process for Certifying Authorities, please see MIN 538 Amendment 8 (M) Codes of practice – Authorisation of Certifying Authorities.

Code Vessels

The Domestic Survey Operations branch is the MCA’s Certifying Authority for Code vessels.

The Code Vessel Team is responsible for the policy, development and maintenance of the Small Craft Codes of Practice and regulatory framework for small commercial vessels up to 24 metres. This principally covers both the workboat (The Workboat Code Edition 3); sport & pleasure sectors, and a wide array of policy areas, including:

• Vessel structure and stability
• Survey and certification
• Lifesaving and firefighting apparatus
• Machinery and propulsion systems
• Protection of personnel and safety management