Maritime and Coastguard Agency

This notice outlines information on Maritime Labour Convention and Work in Fishing Convention requirements for seafarers and fishers affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

A list of doctors in the UK who can carry out ENG 1 medicals.

This notice provides guidance on how to reduce the risk of flooding and the action to take if flooding occurs.

Details of emergency response planning for at-sea renewable energy installations.

Information on the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2026 which implement the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control.

Instructions for the guidance of surveyors, which covers the survey of fishing vessels.

Course criteria for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Small Ships Navigation and Radar (SSNR) course.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's consolidated report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Instructions for the guidance of surveyors, about inspecting ships' navigation lights, sound and visual signalling equipment.

A list of doctors who were previously approved to carry out ENG 1 medicals but whose approval has lapsed.

Aquaculture has the potential to affect shipping and safe navigation. This guidance is to assist the preparation of a Navigation Risk Assessment and emergency response arrangements.

The UK marine equipment approval database is a list of marine equipment which has been granted UK conformity assessment.

List of contact details for fuel oil suppliers who are registered as compliant with MARPOL annex VI.

A list of shipping companies, and the doctors who are approved to carry out ENG 1 medicals for their employees.

Details of the offshore search and rescue courses for the energy industries, provided by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

A list of the Coastguard Rescue Service areas across the UK and the volunteer stations in each of them.

Under the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) port facility duty holders are responsible for ensuring that their organisation complies with the Code and must report compliance with the Code to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency every 3 years.

The oral examination syllabuses for yacht Deck Officers.

International index of search and rescue (SAR) data providers for passengers ships.

A list of overseas-based approved doctors for UK seafarers.

This notice provides information relating to recruitment and placement under the 2006 regulations.

This notice provides guidance on the changes resulting from the 2022 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC).

A table giving details for MCA approved recruitment and placement agencies.

This notice highlights the charity and welfare support available to seafarers, fishers, retired seafarers, cadets and their families across the United Kingdom.

An international list of people who can carry out radio surveys on behalf of the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

This notice provides important information on the UK’s implementation of the international convention for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments 2004, which aims to address the spread of invasive non-native species by ballast water and sediments

MCA approved organisations for container weight requirements

This Note sets out amended guidance on the application of SOLAS II-1, Construction: Structure, Subdivisions and Stability, Machinery and Electrical Installations.

This MIN provides a summary of the standards referenced and guidelines in The Workboat Code Edition 3. This M Notice is intended to supplement the Code.

Notice gives information required to comply with the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regs 1997 relating to new or expectant mothers.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

This notice sets out the assessment dates for Merchant Navy Certificates of Competency (CoCs) from May 2026 until the end of the 2026/2027 academic year.

Privacy notices for Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) activities and services.

Guidance concerning the international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL) surveyors

This MIN provides information regarding a conformity marking error that has occurred in CS-SL3-WS3 Lifejacket lights manufactured by Ideas Connected Ltd.

A collection of the MSIS chapter 1 annexes number 1 to 25

The application of the merchant shipping (working time: inland waterways) regulations 2003 as amended

This MSN outlines the certification structure, training and assessment requirements for yacht deck officers.

This MIN provides information on the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) online oral examination booking process, online oral examinations and the application process for a Notice of Eligibility (NOE). This MIN also details the recording of online oral examinations, how the MCA deals with malpractice and breaches of online oral examination procedures, and the appeals process for MCA online oral examinations.

Amendment 3 outlines information for the protection of those working on board ships from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens and mutagens.

Outlining guidance on the duty of care of companies, employers to all workers under the MS (Health and safety at work) Regulations 1997.

Provides shipowners with links to information to maintain awareness of hazards and risks which are causing accidents to inform risk assessments and procedures

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Details the requirement for provisions to be made for marking each UK ORL with the name and port of registry of the ship to which it is to be fitted. This notice gives implementation details

FB Imray, Laurie Norie and Wilson GmbH (FB Imray) has been recognised as a private chart producer, following their application to the MCA

List of certifying authorities authorised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to conduct survey and certification of small commercial vessels.

Survey of maritime passengers, including people with reduced mobility, to find out about their experiences of using ferries or cruise ships.

Notice to all Shipowners, Operators, Masters, Skippers, Officers, Cadets, and those concerned with maritime training.

This Marine Information Note (MIN) provides information and outlines the updated Oral exam syllabus, for Merchant Navy engineer officers and Electro-Technical Officers.

This Marine Information Note (MIN) provides information and outlines the updated Oral exam syllabus, for Merchant Navy deck officers.

MGN to publish latest amendments that have, or are due to, enter into force in 2026, including SEEMP updates, IGF Code updates and Nox Technical Code Updates.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card over £500.

Spending on a government procurement card (GPC) over £500.

This Note clarifies UK interpretations for determining Load Line Length on vessel hull forms which feature cut-outs, removable end sections and stepped or recessed decks.

Assessment of the effectiveness, efficiency, and value for money of current funding mechanisms, and to identify opportunities for reform.

This MGN details guidance on safety management of recovery of persons from the water.

This notice provides details of the 2026 amendments to the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (“the Code”, also “COSWP”).

Maritime and Coastguard Agency installation and testing requirements for new Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems & UK Approved Bodies permitted to approve such testing

Amendment 2 advises on risk assessment, for operators of UK passenger ferries and high speed passenger craft to determine whether to carry defibrillators.

Updated guidance on the mandatory registration of EPIRBs and PLBs used on UK registered ships and hovercraft, and watercraft.

This Merchant Shipping Notice forms an integral part of the Merchant Shipping (EPIRB and PLB Registration and Radiocommunications) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. This Notice is made mandatory by way of reference to it in those Regulations.

MSN provides important information on the UK’s implementation of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004, which aims to address the spread of invasive non-native species by ballast water and sediments.

Guidance that outlines the syllabuses for Merchant Navy Deck digital assessments, leading to the issue of a UK Certificate of Competency.

Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (COSWP) 2026 edition, outlines the updates reflected following the 2025 annual review.

This MIN sets out the policy of the MCA with respect to UK Vessels which were prevented from arranging the Surveys, audits and verifications required for compliance with the relevant Statutory Instruments due to the ongoing Conflict in the Middle-East

Outlined details the requirements for provision of food and fresh water, in accordance with the maritime labour convention.

Explanation of the requirements for the provision of social connectivity and internet access under the Maritime Labour Convention, on board ships.

Shipowners requirements to provide seafarers with medical care on board ship.

These regulations are amended by the 2015 regulations to place a duty on shipowners to ensure there are copies of the code available on a ship and accessible to all seafarers.

Background information on the wreck of SS Richard Montgomery, and survey reports from 1995 to present.

Replaces the 2014 ISM regulations and assimilated regulations 336/2006 in implementing the ISM code in UK law. It also closes some legislative gaps, some of which arose due to EU exit.

This Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) sets out recommended best practice to encourage respectful operation between different water users.

This MIN is intended to supplement The Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code and provides a summary of standards referenced therein and guidelines considered as best practice for Small Commercial Vessels

This legislation will update existing registration requirements for Emergency Position Indicting Radio Beacons and introduce registration requirements for Personal Locator Beacons

Listing of upcoming Department for Transport (DfT) and associated bodies commercial contracts – known as the commercial pipeline – for which bidders may apply.

Data about seafarers in the UK shipping industry, based on data from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the UK Chamber of Shipping.

Information on training courses from the Counter Pollution and Salvage team including who should attend, course content and objectives, and how to apply.

This consultation seeks your views on a new Statutory Instrument and amendments to accompanying guidance relating to ballast water management in the UK

The Maritime Coastguard Agency's research and evidence requirements.

This notice outlines the official reference standards to which PPE need to comply for working on board ships for specific work activities.

This MIN outlines the recognised qualifications available from official awarding bodies, which the MCA will accept for issuing a ship’s cooks CoC

Advising of the voluntary code of practice, originally produced by the Scottish fishermen's federation (SFF) in consultation with the fish industry safety group (FISG) - appendix A

Amendment 5 contains guidance on the factors affecting the risks of manual handling, with particular reference to work on board ships.

A list of medical referees who can carry out independent medical reviews where a seafarer asks for a review of the decision on their fitness for work.

How to find MCA approved training providers for long courses.

Requirements for crew agreements to be maintained on UK sea-going ships and yachts which are not subject to the MLC.

The minimum standards to be met in paying fishermen for their work on fishing vessels whether fishermen are employed or work as self-employed share fishermen.

All UK fishing vessels must have a list of crew on board which must be left with the nominated person before or immediately after the departure of the vessel.

This consultation seeks your views on the second draft of a new Marine Guidance Note (MGN) for towing floating structures for use in the offshore renewable energy and aquaculture industries

This consultation seeks your views on a new Marine Guidance Note (MGN) for towing floating structures for use in the offshore renewable energy and aquaculture industries

This Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) explains a General Exemption which has been issued for Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels of 2.5 to <4.5 metres in length overall.

The General Exemption for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) of Less than 2.5 metres in length overall ensures that eligible vessels have an available proportional pathway to enable operation

The guidance contained in this MGN is intended to outline best practices related to design, equipment and outfit of dedicated spaces onboard, and to increase safety for handling, charging and stowage of Li-ion batteries and craft with these in-built

Obligations to maintain a list of crew, including all changes, at an address in the United Kingdom.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's consolidated report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Consultation on updates to Convention list and revised approach to Port State Control Regulations following the UK’s exit from the EU

The safety of small vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure – a code of practice

Two new guides offering practical advice to improve wellbeing at sea. One for organisations, one for seafarers. Available via TSO and MCA.

Consultation on a revised approach to International Safety Management Code Regulations following the UK’s exit from the EU

In accordance with international requirements, the MCA maintains an online portal for registration of UK coded 406 MHz EPIRBs and PLBs. This MSN explains all the registration requirements.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency business plan sets out the agency’s plans for 2025 to 2026.

The annual outcomes of seafarer medical examinations by MCA approved doctors.

This Marine Information Note briefly outlines some of the features and benefits of the Wellbeing at Sea Tool and explains how to acquire the tool.

List of people who have received the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.

This consultation seeks your views on a new Statutory Instrument and accompanying Code of Practice for Small Vessels in Commercial use for Sport or Pleasure (“Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code”).

Consultation on regulations for fishing vessels >24m, pleasure yachts >300GT and cargo ships of >300GT but below <500GT, when operating in polar waters.

How the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) works with the Department for Transport (DfT).

This consultation seeks your views on two Statutory Instruments (SI) and accompanying guidance for implementation of the MLC 2006, amendments 2022 into UK law.

This Remote Operator Training and Certification Pilot Framework sets out a voluntary pilot scheme developed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), in collaboration with industry and academia. This sets out the proposed generic training and certification of Remote Operators (ROs) undertaking watchkeeping duties.

This consultation seeks your views on a new statutory Instrument which will replace the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended.

Data on civilian search and rescue helicopter activity in the United Kingdom, produced by Department for Transport.

Baseline report capturing the performance and functioning of the current SAR service to support evaluation of its successor, UKSAR2G.

This consultation seeks your views on a new statutory instrument which will implement SOLAS Chapter XV – Safety measures for ships carrying industrial personnel

This MGN replaces MGN 494 and provides additional guidance on the conduct of risk assessment when passengers, and in particular children, are carried on board. The MGN refers to the new requirement for fishing vessels to carry out a written risk assessment of the risks of going overboard and for those on board to wear a Personal Floatation Device or lifeline, if those risks cannot be eliminated.

Information regarding protected wrecks, areas and monuments in the UK.

The safety of small workboats and pilot boats - a code of practice

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's consolidated report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

ML5 Annual medical assessments report and summary 2022

ML5 Annual medical assessments report and summary 2023

A memorandum of understanding that identifies the roles of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the safe and environmentally-sound management of MOD vessels on non-commercial service.

Domestic Safety Management code (DSM) (MSIS 29) for the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention.

Survey of maritime passengers, including people with reduced mobility, to find out about their experiences of using ferries or cruise ships.

Notice provides detailed information required to comply with the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2010.

Amendment 2 contains information on the application of the Merchant Shipping (Diving Safety) Regulations 2002.

Civilian search and rescue helicopter activity statistics in the United Kingdom for the year ending March 2024.

Workboat Code Edition 3 – Annex 3 The Safety of Police Boats sets out a standard for the construction, machinery, carriage of equipment, manning, survey and certification of Police Boats.

This consultation seeks your views on a new Statutory Instrument (SI) and accompanying Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) and guidance.

This consultation seeks your views on a new Statutory Instrument (SI) and accompanying Merchant Guidance Notes (MGNs).

This consultation seeks your views on the Secretary of State potentially exercising the exemption power within Regulation 14 of The Merchant Shipping (Work in Fishing Convention) (Medical Certification) Regulations 2018 with respect to existing fishers working on vessels of 10 metres and under.

This consultation seeks your views on the draft Merchant Shipping (Anti-Fouling Systems) Regulations 2024 and associated guidance.

This consultation seeks your views on the draft Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships and Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2024.

This consultation seeks your views on the new design and structure of the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (COSWP) (“the code”).

This consultation seeks your views on four specific measures which will be put into law by way of a new Statutory Instrument, the Merchant Shipping (Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Safety) Regulations 2024 (“the proposed Regulations”) to enhance the safety of ships. The proposed Regulations will bring UK law up to date with the requirements of Chapter XI-1 in the Annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (‘SOLAS’ or ‘the Convention’).

This consultation seeks the views of industry and stakeholders on the changes made to MGN 627.

MCA approval letter

The Cadet Training and Modernisation (CT&M) Programme is coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and draws upon input from around the maritime industry to deliver the recommendations detailed in the June 2021 Seafarer Cadet Review Report. An essential element of this programme has been to perform a review of the syllabuses for Deck, Engine and Electro-Technical Cadets. The essential next step of this review process is to seek the views of the wider maritime industry through a consultation, and we are requesting your feedback.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's consolidated report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The Cadet Training and Modernisation (CT&M) Programme is coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and draws upon input from around the maritime industry to deliver the recommendations detailed in the June 2021 Seafarer Cadet Review Report. An essential element of this programme has been to perform a review of the syllabuses for Deck, Engine and Electro-Technical Cadets. The essential next step of this review process is to seek the views of the wider maritime industry through a consultation, and we are requesting your feedback.

The Cadet Training and Modernisation (CT&M) Programme is coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and draws upon input from around the maritime industry to deliver the recommendations detailed in the June 2021 Seafarer Cadet Review Report. An essential element of this programme has been to perform a review of the syllabuses for Deck, Engine and Electro-Technical Cadets. The essential next step of this review process is to seek the views of the wider maritime industry through a consultation, and we are requesting your feedback.

Instructions for the guidance of surveyors on damage stability SOLAS 2020 amendments with explanatory notes

Instructions for the guidance of surveyors on intact stability IMO 2008 is code and explanatory notes

Instructions for the guidance of surveyors on international load line

A Code of Practice applicable to High Speed Offshore Service Craft of up to 500GT that carry more than 12 industrial personnel but no more than 60 persons in total.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's consolidated report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022.

These regulations implement amendments to Chapter II-1 of the Annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, aligning with international rules.

Data tables about staff diversity at the Department for Transport and its executive agencies.

Draft regulations to update the existing requirements for the safety inspection regime for roll on, roll off (ro-ro) passenger ships and high-speed craft.

Draft notices to be read with the proposed regulations for fire protection.

Draft regulations to implement fire protection.

A consultation on the revised MGN's and the revised methodology for assessing the navigational safety and emergency response of Offshore Renewable Energy Installations.

Proposes new legislation on wage protection for seafarers working on ships that regularly visit UK ports.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency business plan sets out the agency’s plans for 2022 to 2023.

Draft Regulations and Explanatory Memorandum to implement the international requirements for training, certification and watchkeeping (STCW).

Draft regulations to implement international safety requirements for high speed craft.

Data tables about equalities in employment at the Department for Transport and its executive agencies.

Letters from the Secretary of State for Transport to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and UK ports about new seafarer protections.

Draft regulations to amend merchant shipping regulations to align the safety standards of older UK domestic passenger vessels with modern passenger ships.

Draft regulations to implement international safety requirements for bulk carriers.

Geographical extent of sea areas around the UK which were originally identified as an obligation for the EU domestic passenger ship directive, but which need to be retained post-Brexit because some UK legislation still relies on these areas.

Reports on the economic impact on business of guidance regulation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

This consultation seeks your views on the proposed extension of enforcement powers used for maritime legislation to enable a comprehensive suite of civil sanctions.

The serviceability and maintenance requirements of radio equipment under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

This Notice is given effect by regulation 8 of the Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2070) (“the 1998 Regulations”) and revokes MSN 1714(M).

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's consolidated report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021.

This notice provides information on the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) regulations 2011 which implement UK obligations under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreement on Port State Control in UK law.

Options for the correct disposal of marine flares on pleasure vessels.

Instructions for the guidance of surveyors in survey and inspection of ‘GMDSS’ radio installations on ships for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the various Statutory Instruments covering merchant shipping.

Maritime successes for 2019 to 2021 and priorities for the next year.

This consultation seeks your views on the draft merchant shipping (radiocommunications) (amendment) regulations 2021, the draft revision of the merchant shipping (radio installations) regulations 1998 and their associated notices.

This consultation seeks your views on a new Statutory Instrument (SI) and code for HSOSC, providing legal underpinning to transport ‘Industrial Personnel’ to and from offshore energy installations.

This MGN re-introduces the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) SSPS code.

Draft marine notices to implement the international requirements for training, certification and watchkeeping (STCW).

This consultation seeks comments on a draft of MGN 588 Amendment No.1 (F): compulsory provision and wearing of personal floatation devices on fishing vessels. This is intended to replace MGN 588 (F).

The purpose of this MGN is to publish the UK list of approved ship recycling facilities as required by the UK ship recycling regulations and referred to in Section 6 of MGN 633 Amendment 1

Provides links to websites containing information countering piracy, armed robbery and other acts of violence against merchant shipping

Highlights issues to consider when assessing navigational safety and emergency response, caused by OREI

Guidance on the latest EU safety rules and standards for seagoing domestic passenger ships and High Speed Craft (HSC) operating within the EU, and their implementation under UK law.

The safety of small workboats and pilot boats - a code of practice

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

This consultation requests comments on the proposed revision of MGN 630 which amends the process for surveyors undertaking and verifying corrective action prior to submitting a comparison report to the MCA

An independent review into beach safety carried out for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

An independent review of the risks to shipping within the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Protection of seafarers held captive as a result of piracy or armed robbery. Enforcement provisions for legislation implementing ILO work in fishing convention

This consultation seeks views on the amendment to the merchant shipping and fishing vessel health and safety at work carcinogens and mutagens regulations 2007.

This consultation seeks the views of industry and stakeholders on proposals to implement the new technical standard which will underpin Directive (EU) 2016/1629.

Consultation on six draft marine guidance notes (MGNs) entitled yacht and powerboat safety at sea

This consultation seeks to review the draft guidance on the LOLER and PUWER regulations 2006.

The UKSR has widened its eligibility criteria allowing companies located outside the UK to join one of the best performing flag registries.

Consultation on Regulations implementing Directive (EU) 2016/1629 (laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels, amending 2009/100/EC and repealing Directive 2006/87/EC)