Yacht coding.

[Allan]

I have heard the term 'coded' many times. I understand that it is one thing that is required if you wish to charter your boat and it is administered by the MCA. I am interested to know the difference between a coded and uncoded boat.
Allan

 

[fireball]

I am interested to know the difference between a coded and uncoded boat.

Bit tricky to answer in any depth as an uncoded boat is kitted out to the owners requirement and constrianed by his budget rather than rules. So it is quite conceivable that an uncoded boat exceeds the requirements of a coded boat - but less likely!

AFAIK the coded charter boat has to meet regulations on Safety - so things like lifejackets, fire extinguishers, hatch openings & plumbing all have to be addressed - coded boats also have a lot of labels and notices dotted around the place - I believe this is because the charterer will not always know how to operate emergency kit or what actions are required on the specific vessel before setting out.

 

[Boreades]

Also, IIRC, an uncoded boat can just be registered on the Small Ships Register a.k.a. UK Ships Register (Part 3), whereas a coded boat working as a commercial vessel (for chartering) should be registered in Part 1, with annual inspections.

See --> http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/ukr-home/pleasurecraft-smallships.htm

 

[Sans Bateau]

If you want to know all the information then you can read it here:

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mgn_280-2.pdf

(you did ask)

fireball is about right, but in most cases a privately owned leisure boat will exceed the coded standard. But I do stress in MOST cases.

Coding ensures that an unscrupulous charter company cannot hire out a boat that is not fit to go to sea, profit before safety.

Dont let anyone fool you into thinking that a coded boat is any safer. Far from it, one that I sailed on was bordering on dangerous until we got it patched up.

 

[Tranona]

fireball is about right, but in most cases a privately owned leisure boat will exceed the coded standard. But I do stress in MOST cases.

Not sure this is right - having just spent around £1.5 k just on equipment to bring my boat up from Greek charter coding to roughly MCA. Although many private boats will be well equipped I think it is an exaggeration to say better.

Coding includes stability etc - although most modern boats in RCD Cat A will meet the requirements. As a rough guide coding costs between £12-15k on a typical mid 30s ft production cruiser - mostly in equipment but some modifications.

Regards the OPs original question, read the MCA material which will give you a guide as to what you would need to do to meet the category you are after. You will need a surveyor to supervise/check and advise on some of the requirements as they are defined by function rather than method. As an example, the bridge deck on my boat is too low and there are various ways of raising it to meet the standard. There was an article on coding in PBO middle of last year which explained the proces on one particular boat.

 

[boatmike]

I have heard the term 'coded' many times. I understand that it is one thing that is required if you wish to charter your boat and it is administered by the MCA. I am interested to know the difference between a coded and uncoded boat.
Allan

The MCA have a series of "codes" for different classes of vessel. They are not all the same. A private yacht can (in theory) carry up to 12 passengers as a "non commercial" vessel. There is however a code that applies to charter boats. Over 12 Pax its a different code, then there is one for ferries and yet another different code for fast ferries, Ro-Ro's and so on it goes. When a vessel is built it has to comply with the appropriate code which is a pretty comprehensive document. Then on proving trials, if all is well a safety certificate is issued. Periodic inspections on certain vessels are required to ensure that all is well. You as a private yachtsman do not have to comply with this but it is still worth looking at the boat safety scheme which (don't quote me) I think is something the RNLI run as an advisory service. Generally there should be no difference between a well found private yacht and a coded vessel. If a vessel is however maintained properly "in code" by the owner you know it should comply. A private vessel might not. If you want to obtain a copy of the code applying to a particular type of vessel the MCA will gladly supply a copy for a fee....