All UK owned Small Commercial Vessels must comply with the relevant Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice and be certificated by an Authorised Certifying Authority, of which the YDSA Certifying Authority is the largest.
** The MCA has issued MIN 612 in relation to extending certification dates for coding certificates during the Covid-19 situation - See our Coronavirus page for details **
A Small Commercial Vessel is defined as "a vessel in commercial use that:
If you charter your boat or use it commercially, you must comply with the Codes of Practice. This includes occasional commercial use as well as permanent use and also includes boats such as sport fishing boats, RIBs used for rides for the public, boats taking workers out to wind farms and oil rigs, etc. There are many different Codes of Practice that cover:
You will need to use one of our Coding Surveyors to perform an initial Compliance Examination. Along with the appropriate paperwork, this starts a certification cycle lasting five years. Scroll down for all the forms, fees and payment options.
This five year cycle is subject to annual renewals and will require additional surveys to be performed by your Nominated Coding Surveyor, the frequency of which depends on the Code of Practice and the nature of your boat’s operations.
We are also an authorised Certifying Authority for the following overseas administrations that are part of the Red Ensign Group:
Compliance Examination - Surveyor's Fees
The fees for the Compliance Examination are negotiated with and paid directly to the Nominated Coding Surveyor. The quoted fee will be on the basis that the vessel is presented for examination already compliant with the Code requirements. An additional charge may be made for a return visit or providing assistance with stability information.
Pay a New Application for 5 Year Examinations
For vessels new to us use this link for payments (remember to send us your completed SCV1)
Pay Annual Renewals
For vessels due for their annual renewal (you may need your invoice/request for payment)
Pay for a 5 Year Cycle Renewal
For vessels due their 5 year renewal use this link for payments (remember to send us your completed SCV1)
Pay Administration Fees
For various administration fees including retrieval and extension fees
Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).
+44 (0)1730 710490