Which vessels are affected by the MCA Code of Practice?

Anyone operating or intending to operate a vessel for commercial use or charter (skippered or bareboat). The vessel will need to be prepared and equipped to conform with the MCA Code of Practice MGN 280.

The MCA Code of Practice applies to:

  • Sailing yacht charter vessels (skippered and bareboat)
  • Motor charter vessels and motor vessels (up to 12 passengers)
  • Workboats, pilot boats and survey boats
  • RIBs, angling and diving boats

View MGN 280 Code of Practice

Maintaining your Coded Status

The MCA coding certificate is valid for 5 years from the issue date.

Any date sensitive equipment must be kept in date at all times. The vessel and all equipment must be appropriately maintained and in good working order.

At the end of the 1st, 2nd and 4th year of operation you will be required to certify that the vessel still complies with the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) code. Depending on the code this could be a ‘self-certification’ or carried out by a registered coding surveyor.

At the end of the 3rd year, you will be required to have an in-water inspection carried out by a registered coding surveyor.

At the end of the 5th year a full out of water inspection is required in order to recode your vessel for the proceeding 5 years.

Requirement Categories

The code requirements are divided into six main categories depending on the type and use of your vessel.

  • Category 0 - Unrestricted service
  • Category 1 - Up to 150 miles from a safe haven
  • Category 2 - Up to 60 miles from a safe haven
  • Category 3 - Up to 20 miles from a safe haven
  • Category 4 - Up to 20 miles from a safe haven, in favourable weather & daylight.
  • Category 5 - Up to 20 miles from a nominated departure point, in favourable weather & daylight.
  • Category 6 - To sea within 3 miles from nominated departure point(s) named in the certificate and never more than 3 miles from land in favourable weather and daylight.

What are the certification requirements for portlights, windows and hatches?

5.4.2. A window fitted in the main hull below the weather deck should meet the requirements of Section 5.4.2, or be provided with a blank meeting the requirements

5.4.5. A portlight fitted below the weather deck and not provided with an attached deadlight should be provided with a 'blank' (the number of blanks should be sufficient for at least half of the number of such portlights of each different size in the vessel), which can be efficiently secured in place in the event of breakage of the portlight. The blank should be of suitable material and strength to the satisfaction of the Certifying Authority.

Such a 'blank' is not required for a non-opening portlight.

5.4.7. In a vessel which operates more than 60 miles from a safe haven, portable 'blanks' for windows should be provided (the number of blanks should be sufficient for at least half of the number of such windows of each different size in the vessel) which can be efficiently secured in place in the event of breakage of a window.

How can Hatch Blank help?

Hatch Blank provide a practical and secure solution to the MCA certification requirements related to portlights, windows and hatches.

  • Made to measure to fit any hatch
  • Cover and backing strips made from non-slip, 19mm high density polyethylene
  • Stainless steel fitting to handle the marine environment
  • Engineered to prevent trip hazards and ropes and sails from catching
  • Recessed edge with 3mm rubber gasket to prevent hatch trim damage and water ingress

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