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Owner Charter Management Information

MCA Compliance

The MCA Code of Practice compliance applies to all commercial yachts that are registered in the UK or one of the Red Ensign countries, including Cayman Islands. There are two categories - under and over 24-meter load line length.

Some of the areas that the Code sets standards for are: construction and strength, weathertight integrity, water freeing arrangements, machinery, electrical installations, steering gear, bilge pumping, stability, freeboard, life-saving appliances, fire safety & appliances…

The compliance process involves arranging for a surveyor from the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) to survey the yacht. The surveyor then provides you with a list of items that do not meet code and the modifications required. Upon completion of the required modifications the yacht is re-surveyed and if all is in order an MCA Certificate of Compliance is issued which is valid for 5 years and subject to satisfactory annual inspections.

 The compliance process can be lengthy but the good news is that following the initial survey the CISR can issue the yacht an interim certificate (as long as there are no major safety issues) that allows you to legally charter while the necessary modifications are being made.

Our network of charter brokers is now requiring us to provide information regarding MCA compliance status on all our yachts and is vowing not to book yachts that are not in compliance.

However, more good news is that it is estimated that a valid MCA Certificate of Compliance increases the value of a vessel by 10% - 20% on the sales market!

I hope that this information is helpful - you may also find some information on the web site www.super-yachts.com or obtain a copy of the MCA Code of Practice manual. We have the manual here and it is not light reading so best to just find a good surveyor to start the process.

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