UK amends codes of practice – authorisation of certifying authorities

UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued an amended Marine Information Note (MIN) 538 regarding codes of practice – authorisation of certifying authorities.

This MIN was published on April 5th, 2023.

The purpose of this MIN is to provide contact details of MCA authorised Certifying Authorities.

Certifying Authorities undertake survey and certification work under the Small Commercial Vessel Codes of Practice or MGN 280 (M). The Codes of Practice are:

• The Safety of Small Commercial Sailing Vessels – A Code of Practice (Blue Code)
• The Safety of Small Commercial Motor Vessels – A Code of Practice (Yellow Code)
• The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats (Brown Code)
• The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Vessels in Commercial use for Sport or Pleasure Operating from a Nominated Departure Point (NDP) (Red Code)
• The Police Boat Common Code (PBC3) + Codes A, B, C, D
• The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats. Edition 2
• MGN 280 (M) – Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards is available as an equivalent standard to the Small Commercial Vessel Codes of Practice.

Certifying Authorities are authorised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to examine and certificate small commercial vessels in accordance with the applicable requirements.

A Certifying Authority is responsible for each certificate it issues, and the relationship between the Certifying Authority and a vessel owner/managing agent is direct. This does not supersede the Code requirement that an owner is responsible for ensuring that their vessel complies with the requirements applicable to that vessel.

It is the responsibility of the owner/managing agent to ensure that a vessel is properly maintained, examined, and manned in accordance with the relevant Code.

The Certifying Authorities listed in this MIN are authorised as Inspectors of Marks for the purpose of verifying Carving & Marking Notes on UK ships of less than 24 metres in length.

The Certifying Authorities are also authorised to undertake inspections in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention on Coded vessels of less than 24 metres in length. However, Certifying Authorities may only undertake an MLC inspection on Small Commercial Vessels for which they currently provide survey and certifications services.

This MIN expires on 1st April 2024.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

Codes of Practice – Authorisation of Certifying Authorities

Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards