MCA Coding

Introduction

All UK vessels in commercial use, up to 24 metres load line length, which go to sea and carry no more than 12 passengers and/or cargo, are required by law to comply with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat Code of Practice and be issued with Certificates by an Authorised Certifying Authority. The number of persons that the vessel carries can be greater than 12, for example 10 crew and 12 passengers.

The YDSA is a Certifying Authority appointed by the MCA and issues certificates under the Code, with currently about 1600 vessels on our register. YDSA Nominated Surveyors are authorised to carry out Compliance Examinations for certification by the YDSA, and are shown in the YDSA members' directory on this site.

There were a number of codes that were developed specifically for each class of vessel: yellow, blue and red. These older codes are still in legal force but are now grouped into a single document, "The Harmonised Code MGN 280", covering:

• Sailing charter vessels, both skippered and bareboat
• Motor charter vessels including angling and dive boats
• Motor vessels carrying up to 12 passengers
• RIBs operating commercially
• Workboats
• Pilot boats

The requirements for the vessel are primarily contingent on the nature of its operations, distance from a safe haven, limiting weather and whether overnight passages are to be undertaken.

Procedure

Each surveyor operates in a different manner, but the following is typical:

1. Apply for survey by completing the SCV1 form and sending the fee to the YDSA
2. The instructed surveyor will develop a detailed list of the required works to the vessel
3. The operator prepares the vessel based on the required works
4. The surveyor attends the vessel and fills out the SCV2 form; it is very unlikely that the vessel will be ready on the first visit. A list of outstanding works will be given to the operator.
5. The surveyor will inspect the vessel out of the water
6. The surveyor will perform a heel test
7. The surveyor will revisit the vessel and close out outstanding items
8. The surveyor's paperwork will be sent to the YDSA for checking
9. When all is in order and fees have been paid to the surveyor and the YDSA, the certificate will be issued.

The certificate is valid for five years but is subject to annual renewal, including a mid-term examination between years 2 & 3, and may require annual surveys to be performed in some cases.

Choice

With the YDSA you have a choice of Compliance Examiners. Our Nominated Surveyors are Members of the Association, not employees, and you are free to choose from over 60 YDSA Nominated Surveyors around the UK and overseas.

If you are already registered with another Certifying Authority, you can transfer to the YDSA at no extra cost.

Vessels Overseas

YDSA surveyors travel all over the world, so if we do not list a Surveyor based locally, please contact us to ask who is likely to be visiting the area soon.

Procedure

The following forms must be completed and signed by the Owner/Managing Agent and the Nominated Surveyor and forwarded with the required fees to the YDSA before a Small Commercial Vessel Certificate can be issued:

• SCV1 Application Form
• SCV2A Compliance Document
• SCV2B Supplementary Compliance Document (if Stability Booklet is required)
• Stability Application Form (Sailing Vessels, Motor Vessels and RIBS) or Stability Information Booklet

Nominated Surveyor Grades

YDSA Nominated Surveyors are selected from our Membership of experienced Marine Surveyors and are divided into two levels, according to their qualifications and experience:

• Level 1: Coding vessels in all categories; carrying 16 or more persons; lifting/towing; carrying more than 1 tonne of cargo and Pilot Boats.
• Level 2: Coding vessels up to Category 2 not requiring a Stability Information Booklet.

See the directory of YDSA nominated surveyors on this site.

If you would like more information about obtaining a Small Commercial Vessel Certificate, please contact the YDSA Certifying Authority or talk to one of our Nominated Surveyors to arrange a Compliance Examination.