29 September 2025

With the summer passed we wanted to provide an update to our members on where we are with the revision of the MCA Sport or Pleasure Code. 

A few weeks ago, the MCA released the consultation outcome report:

Consultation Outcome Report - GOV.UK. 

The MCA reported that a total of 422 responses were received from individuals and organisations consisting of over 2200 individual comments on the SI, the Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code, and its Annexes. The comments have been reviewed, and the responses to those comments are downloadable from the outcome report page. This has led to some significant changes to the original draft including the removal of requirements for lifejacket rearming kits, the removal of the requirement to have both SART and EPIRB in Cat 2, and many others, and whilst there is no updated draft available, we are happy to see that many of the consultation comments and positions have been recognised and taken on board, we would recommend that all members review the outcome responses to see how your organisations comments have been considered. 

The code is now going through the parliamentary process, and it is planned to be laid before parliament mid/end November ‘25 to come into force this calendar year. 

Please reach out to the British Marine Technical Team if you have any questions.