Regulations for Pleasure Vessels

The majority of our Merchant Shipping legislation applies to commercially operated vessels but within these regulations, there are areas which apply to all vessels whether they are for commercial use or for pleasure. As with commercial vessels, different requirements are based on the size of the vessel so it is important to check the regulations thoroughly. Although it is unlikely that a pleasure vessel would be subject to a spot check, should an incident occur then failure to meet regulations could lead to a prosecution.

International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (COLREGS)

These regulations apply to all vessels at sea and any navigable waters connected to the sea, regardless of use. They regulate the conduct of vessels and the responsibility on how vessels should manoeuvre in order to prevent collisions. These regulations also detail what lights should be shown at night or in restricted visibility, fog and manoeuvring signals, and what shapes should be shown depending on the condition of the vessel.

Pleasure boat owners should consider likely conditions the vessel will operate in and ensure they have the correct equipment to be able display or make the correct signals. For example, a sailing yacht should carry a black cone so it can be hoisted when motor sailing.

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

Although the majority of SOLAS does not apply to pleasure vessels, some regulations in chapter V (Safety of Navigation) do apply. These include:

• All vessels less than 150GT are to have a radar reflector if practicable (see this article to understand what 'if practicable' means).
• Every vessel shall carry an illustrated table describing the life-saving signals (a pdf can be downloaded here). The MCA does acknowledge that this might be unsuitable in very small vessels but say that the table should be studied in advance.
• All vessels are required to report to the Coastguard and other vessels in the area if they encounter anything that could cause a serious hazard to navigation, if it has not already been reported. This can be done by telephone or by VHF radio.
• All vessels are required to respond to any distress signal they see or encounter and are prohibited from the misuse of any distress signals.
• All vessels are required to plan their voyage, this should include consideration of weather, tides, crew, capabilities and navigational dangers. There should also be some sort of contingency planning and the plan should also be shared with someone ashore. The MCA recommends registering your vessel with the RYA SafeTrx Scheme, which is a free service and can be found here.

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)

This convention only applies to pleasure vessels which are over 24m (78.7 feet) in length or over 80GT. It requires that persons on board have suitable Certificates of Competency for the capacity in which they are on board.

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

MARPOL generally applies to all vessels regardless of type, although again several requirements are based upon the size of vessel.

• Sewage - provisions for the prevention of sewage apply to vessels engaged on international voyages >400GT or which carry more than 15 persons. If this is the case they the vessel will require a survey by the MCA and will be issued with an International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate. There are no specific provisions for vessels of less size and with less persons, or only engaged on voyages around the UK, but the advice is to not discharge sewage when <3Nm from land.
• Garbage - there are restrictions on the disposal of garbage into the sea on all vessels. These are detailed in MARPOL placards. Additionally if the vessel is greater than 12m in length, these placards must be displayed on board.
• Oil - All oily waste should be retained on board and disposed of to dedicated shore facilities. Oily water may only be discharged into the sea under very strict conditions which require that mixtures are not greater than 15ppm of oil content. Most pleasure vessels will not have the equipment to measure this so generally all oily waste should be kept on board.

The Merchant Shipping (Anti-Fouling Systems) Regulations 2009

All vessels, regardless of type and size must not use anti-foul paint with organotin compounds or cybutryne. If the vessel is greater than 24m, it must hold a Declaration of Antifouling Systems, and appropriate documentation (e.g. a paint receipt or contractor’s invoice).

Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003

Anyone on board a pleasure vessel which is exercising, or purporting or attempting to exercise, a function in connection with the navigation of the vessel shall not be above the prescribed limit for alcohol. The prescribed limit is 25mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006

If you use a VHF/MF/HF radio or if you have any item that transmits over similar frequencies such as an AIS, EPIRB or radar, you must hold a license for the equipment, which is issued free of charge by Ofcom. Additionally if you operate radio equipment you are required to have appropriate training such as the RYA Short or Long Range certificate.

Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Small Craft) Regulations 1998 and the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances For Ships Other Than Ships Of Classes III To VI(A)) Regulations 1999

If your pleasure vessel is greater than 13.7m (45 feet), then you must meet the provisions contained in these regulation as a Class XII vessel. As an alternative, you can opt to meet the exemptions detailed in MGN599.