MCA Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice: Public Consultation Closes

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has been working on a “Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice”, so legislation can be updated to meet the rapidly changing needs of the small commercial vessel sector. The proposed new code entered a 12-week public consultation period in December 2024, allowing those affected to share their feedback and highlight areas that they felt required further change.

This public consultation period has now officially closed. Read the RYA’s official response.

At the RYA, we recognise the significant concerns expressed by many within our network regarding the proposed changes. We agree that substantial work remains to ensure the draft code is fit for purpose.

We support the need to update the existing codes of practice to reflect evolving standards, address key MAIB recommendations, and accommodate alternative propulsion types. 

However, we urge the MCA to allocate sufficient time to thoroughly review and respond to the feedback from this public consultation. It is essential that the MCA reconvenes the Technical Working Group to ensure that industry representatives have the ability to consider the consultation responses and make any necessary revisions to the draft code, ensuring it is proportionate, clear, and enforceable.