The maritime industry is no stranger to evolving safety standards, and the recent introduction of the MCA’s Workboat Code Edition 3 marks a significant milestone for operators of small workboats. Officially in force since 13 December 2023, this updated code replaces Edition 2 and brings a host of changes aimed at enhancing safety, environmental compliance, and operational clarity.
What Does This Mean for Commercial Rib Charter?
Most of our vessels are coded under Workboat Code Edition 2, or MGN 280, while we’re not required to upgrade immediately, we have been working with MECAL, our Certifying Authority over the last 18 months to carry out a gap analysis of all our vessels to help us meet the new standards in full. Partial compliance or mixing standards from different editions is not permitted.
What’s Next?
Over the coming 18 months, our teams will be working hard to ensure the whole fleet meet the required standards for either the next certification renewal, or the cut off date of December 2026.
Some of the Key Considerations:
· Vessel Construction
· Life Saving Appliances
· Crew qualifications
· Operational Safety
Our projects team will be working closely with all our full time and freelance crews to ensure they are updating their qualifications to comply with the new workboat code, and we will be sending out regular communications throughout the next 12 months.
