Commercial RIB info request

[AHUX]

Hi, I am looking for any assistance or constructive feedback on the following if possible. I have a small 3.6 Zodiac RIB with a 15HP engine that I use for private use / pleasure on local rivers.

I have been asked by a friend if I can assist with some research & survey work on private lakes and potentially some rivers. He will be required to photograph the banks from the water side and gain access to islands, etc, on these lakes and rivers. I would not be going to sea, just inland waterways.

As he is a professional and is being paid for this (and in turn I will be paid) I have been informed that I will need to be Commercially Endorsed to take a ‘passenger’ on my RIB, and to hold all of the necessary certifications, insurances and get my RIB ‘coded’ for commercial use?????

As this may be a one off, or a potential new business I would be grateful for any feedback.

At present I have the RYA Powerboat 2 Certification and also RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Certification.

Many thanks.

 

[Pump-Out]

Depends on the category of waters, and who the navigation authority is. Under twelve passengers on non-tidal requires very little compliance. EA will require a commercial BSS

Private lakes are probably a scott free environment.

Have a read of this: https://assets.publishing.service.g...nd_Waters_Small_Passenger_Boat_Code_COP13.pdf

 

[wonkywinch]

For a commercial endorsement on your PB2, as well as taking the Professional Practices and Responsibilities course (about £50 online), you'll also need a medical.

Gaining commercial endorsements

 

[ylop]

As he is a professional and is being paid for this (and in turn I will be paid) I have been informed that I will need to be Commercially Endorsed to take a ‘passenger’ on my RIB, and to hold all of the necessary certifications, insurances and get my RIB ‘coded’ for commercial use?????

There’s three questions here:
1. Do you legally require you to be coded to do this type of work.
2. Does the person contracting you expect you to be coded, even if not legally required.
3. Would any insurer cover you for commercial work where you are not “coded” even if coding is not strictly needed.

The quick answers are:
Perhaps, Potentially and Probably not.

If we therefore assume that coding is required you will have a problem - you will really struggle to fit everything required on a 3.6m rib. It will cost a fortune even if you do manage.

Do you need Coded under the MCA rules? Probably not - they apply to vessels going to sea. But you may need a license from the local authority (and or the landowner). Often those are exempt for coded boats. Local authority licensing may be a grey area because it’s not clear it is intended for a professional rather than a member of the public buying a ticket BUT anyone contracting you is unlikely to want to take the risk and will expect you to have paperwork, as most likely will your insurer. If your work would involve multiple local authorities it would almost certainly be simpler to be coded than seek approval from each.

The cost of upgrading your PB2 to be commercially endorsed would be pretty low. Look at MGN280 and you will see what you would need to comply with to get the boat coded.

There’s plenty of marine services firms around offering small boats for bridge safety inspections etc - you will struggle to be competitive.

 

[st599]

The main cost of maintaining commercial endorsement is the medical - it's not an NHS service so GP can charge whatever they like.

 

[ylop]

The main cost of maintaining commercial endorsement is the medical - it's not an NHS service so GP can charge whatever they like.

the medical might be the main cost for you personally to renew (although you will need to do 150days at sea in 5 yrs to renew the cert) but keeping the boat certified will be way more.

 

[Pump-Out]

the medical might be the main cost for you personally to renew (although you will need to do 150days at sea in 5 yrs to renew the cert) but keeping the boat certified will be way more.

Under twelve passengers, non tidal waters - no medical.

As I said, and linked, in my first post, a different code applies on non tidal waters. Until we know the operating area typing anymore on here is pointless.

 

[Tamar]

For a commercial endorsement on your PB2, as well as taking the Professional Practices and Responsibilities course (about £50 online), you'll also need a medical.

Gaining commercial endorsements

Plus sea survival