Small Craft Codes

Question 1

Safety codes of practice for small (up to 24m) vessels

Answer 1

• Small motor vessels (Yellow Code)
• Small sailing vessels (Blue Code)
• Small commercial vessels used for sport/pleasure (Red code)
• Small workboats and pilot boats (Brown Code)

Question 2

MGN 280 Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards

Answer 2

In 2004 under the Brown Code, a new Marine Guidance Notice (MGN 280) was created.

Question 3

MGN 280 Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards

Answer 3

2004, meant to replace
* Small motor vessels (Yellow Code)
* Small sailing vessels (Blue Code)
* Small commercial vessels used for sport/pleasure (Red code)
* Small workboats and pilot boats (Brown Code)

Question 4

The Workboat Code Edition 2 (and 3)

Answer 4

Jan 2019 > Workboat code 2 see MSN 1892
Dec 2023 >Workboat code 3

Vessels shall meet the requirements of Workboat Code Edition 3 by next renewal examination or three years after the date of entry into force of the Code, whichever is later

Question 5

Areas of Operation as defined in the Code are:

Answer 5

A vessel may be considered for the issue of a Small Commercial Vessel certificate allowing it to operate in one of the following areas:-
-Area Category 6 - to sea, within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s) named in the certificate and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight;
-Area Category 5 – to sea, within 20 miles from a nominated departure point named in the certificate in favourable weather and daylight.
-Area Category 4 - Up to 20 miles from a safe haven, in favourable weather and in daylight;
-Area Category 3 - Up to 20 miles from a safe haven;
-Area Category 2 - Up to 60 miles from a safe haven;
Area Category 1 - Up to 150 miles from a safe haven;
-Area Category 0 – Unrestricted service.

Question 6

What is a safe haven?

Answer 6

“Safe haven” means a harbour or shelter of any kind which affords safe entry and protection from the force of weather;

Question 7

What is a marine notice

Answer 7

A marine notice provides important safety related information, general guidance and details about upcoming changes to legislation to the shipping and maritime community. Marine notices have no legal standing.