Regulations

Find out about regulations applying to vessels under the UK flag and vessels in UK waters or operating from UK ports, including recreational boats and boaters.

Pleasure craft regulations

Motor cruiser moored at marina on sunny day

Pleasure craft regulations

The Merchant Shipping Regulations apply to all vessels under the UK flag, in UK waters or operating from UK ports

Pleasure vessels and the Merchant Shipping Regulations

1 January 2019 brought a renewed importance for boat owners to be aware of the definition of a pleasure vessel.

Inland navigations

Whether your boat is in private or commercial use, it's important to know which Authority presides over the waterway you are on.

crew working together on yachtmaster fasttrack course

SOLAS V regulations

The following regulations are the elements of SOLAS V relevant to pleasure craft under 150 GT.

The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023

Legislation has been introduced to help regulate and prevent the dangerous misuse of watercraft.

IPV code

The Code of Practice for Intended Pleasure Vessels in Temporary Commercial Use at Sea (IPV Code).

choppy ocean with motor cruiser and sailing yacht in the distance

Incident and accident reporting

As detailed in MGN 564, there is no statutory requirement for "pleasure vessels" to report accidents, however voluntary reporting is encouraged.

IMO guidelines: Pleasure craft

Pleasure craft users are asked to be vigilant regarding both the security of their own vessel and the activities of other craft in their vicinity

Equipment for UK pleasure vessels

Make sure you are properly equipped before going on the water

Licensing onboard electronics

Your VHF radio, EPIRB, radar, TV etc. must all be covered by appropriate licences, as must any other transmitting equipment on board a boat

Mandatory equipment for Class XII vessels

It is compulsory for Class XII vessels to carry life-saving appliances and fire protection equipment

two ladies on boat, one steering, and one talking on the radio.

EMF compliance and enforcement

Ensure EMF compliance for marine communications and electronics with Ofcom's simplified guidance.

Small commercial vessels

Large workboat sailing away in the distance

Should I be commercially coded

A brief overview of if you should be commercially coded

IPV code

The Code of Practice for Intended Pleasure Vessels in Temporary Commercial Use at Sea (IPV Code).

Crewing on commercial yachts

In most cases no formal qualifications are required. However, many skippers will prefer to take crew who have undergone training.

Other regulations and guidance

diesel engine course group of people standing around an engine

Buying diesel

Make sure you buy the correct fuel, at the correct price, supported by the correct paperwork.

Flag etiquette

Flag etiquette is a combination of law (what you must do) and maritime tradition (expectations of behaviour within the sea faring community).

One white sailing yacht floats on the sea with waves and spray. The view from the side

Carrying knives

RYA guidance around the carrying of knives for boating related purposes

Towing and roof racking boats

The aim of this section is to provide those members towing boats, or roofracking dinghies, masts or other boat equipment, a summary of the road vehicle law that affects them

Disposing of out of date flares

Flares contain explosives, once they are past their expiry date it is essential that Time Expired Pyrotechnics (TEP) are disposed of carefully.