Over 3000 instructions from industry & private clients since 2005

NDT inspections for composite/FRP new builds to confirm quality

NDT & traditional inspections for underwriters & insurers to confirm the extent of damage on Composite/FRP vessels

TWI Trained 3.0 Level 1 Visual Weld Inspectors

Over 500 metres of new build projects completed in the last 5 years

CERTIFICATION OF VESSELS UNDER THE MCA CODE OF PRACTICE

WHY DO YOU NEED TO GET YOUR BOAT CODED?

UK vessels in commercial use, up to 24 metres in length and which go to sea carrying no more than 12 passengers and/or cargo, need to comply with the new harmonised MCA Code of Practice. The code covers:
Workboats
Small commercial sailing vessels
Small commercial motor vessels
Vessels operating from a nominated departure point

In addition to boats that require to be coded some Owners may elect to have their boat coded and operate it commercially for tax purposes. For example it may be possible to claim VAT back on the purchase price and running costs.

WHAT IS THE CODE

A copy of the code (as Marine Guidance Note MGN280) can be downloaded from the MCA website here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mgn280.pdf

HOW TO GET YOUR BOAT CODED

Both Duncan Saunders and Hugo Morgan-Harris are Surveyors nominated by the YBDSA to carry out Compliance Examinations on behalf of the MCA to enable vessels to be certificated under the Code. Vessels in all categories (0-6) are able to be certificated and we have successfully certified a fleet of one design round the world racing yachts.

The Code itself is a very comprehensive 148 page document and may seem a little daunting at first glance when contemplating having your boat “coded”.

At Saunders Morgan Harris it is our aim to guide you through the process giving you as much, or little, help as you require and typically the following processes may be undertaken:

Initial advice over the phone as to the suitability of the boat and the logistics of the process. At this stage we will send you an SCV1 form to send to the YDSA. This gets you registered in their system and they will send you further information. This will include a stability form and the SCV2 survey form.

Preliminary inspection of the vessel. Many Owners will choose that we carry out a preliminary inspection. This will take 1-2 hours and we will talk through the SCV2 survey form (that YDSA will have sent you on receipt of your SCV1) and draw up a list of items that require alteration or purchase to enable the vessel to be coded. An underwater inspection of the boat is required as part of the coding and this could be carried out at the same time as the preliminary inspection.

Full inspection. This is carried out once the vessel is complete and fully equipped in all respects. The Owner will have filled in as much of the SCV2 form as possible and we verify that the vessel is as stated and complies, or otherwise, with the code.

For motorboats, RIBs and open boats a stability test is also required. This can be combined with either of the other visits.

Throughout the process we are available by phone at any time to help and advise on all aspects of getting your boat through the code.

In the first instance please call us with your enquiry and we can get the ball rolling.