The Society is also actively involved in the project to harmonise the various MCA Small Vessel Codes. Currently vessels are required to transition from older workboat codes to Workboat Code Edition 3. The draft Sport and Pleasure code is currently going through Parliamentary review with a likely publish date of 2026. This code would then replace all previous Sport and Pleasure codes with the aim to streamline small vessel coding.
The Society’s Examiners also survey vessels that previously operated under the now-withdrawn Fitness for Purpose (FFP) Scheme. While the FFP scheme is not enforced by statutory regulation, it has been adopted by several UK Inland Navigation Authorities as a standard.
Examiners can also assist with documentation/certification for Tonnage Certificate of Survey, Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Record of Inspections, stability calculations/tests and appraisal of vessel plans. Further links to relevant information is provided below:
Tonnage Measurement
The SCMS has been approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other authorities to provide surveys for tonnage measurement for the purposes of registering a vessel.
Small ships, i.e. those under 24 m load line length may opt to be registered under Part III or the Small Ships Register (SSR). For vessels sailing short sea routes to the near continent SSR is sufficient but for deep sea international voyages, Part I registration is essential. Part 1 Registration requires re-registration every 5 years but does not require a further survey for tonnage measurement. This is dealt with directly between the Owner and the Registry. However, if at any time there are significant changes to the registered vessel (for example a change of engines), a new Certificate of Survey for Tonnage Measurement will be required.
To see more about Part 1 Registration and how to start an application with the UK Ship Register, see the government website.
Maritime Labour Convention
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, came into force for the UK on 7 August 2014. It sets out the minimum working and living standards for seafarers.
For vessels operating in area categories 0 & 1 or in non UK waters an MLC Record of Inspection is required. This would need to be carried out by authorised Certifying Authority Examiner.
Exemptions
The MLC doesn’t fully cover seafarers serving on the following boats:
- ships navigating inland or sheltered waters subject to port regulations
- fishing vessels
- warships and naval auxiliaries
- traditional ships, such as dhows
Even if not strictly required to do so, Owners may choose to demonstrate compliance with this convention to ease operating problems when operating abroad, or to prove best practice.
Stability
Coded vessels are required to demonstrate adequate stability as part of their certification. This can be achieved through various approved methods, including:
- Heel Test
- RIB Practical Test
- Stability Information Booklet
- STOPS Calculation (Small Vessel Stability and Trim for the Operator’s Preparedness and Safety)
- ISO 12217 Calculation and Verification
Authorised SCMS Examiners can help advise and where required complete the above.
Plan Appraisal
Code vessels are required to demonstrate adequate evidence of construction related to the required standard of the code they are under. The SCMS can plan appraise drawings against the following standards:
- Lloyds Register SSC
- DNV-GL-ST-0342 (limited to area category 3 or less)
- ISO 12215
- BV NR600
- ABS Barge Rules
- MGN 629
