Commercial & Compliance
MCA Coding Examination
If you operate your yacht commercially — for charter, sail training or any paying activity — a UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) coding examination is mandatory. SVG Marine codes vessels as a Certifying Authority Examiner through the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), an MCA-approved Certifying Authority, working across the UK, South Wales, Southampton, the Mediterranean and Europe.
An MCA coding examination is a structured assessment of a vessel's construction, machinery, stability, safety equipment and operational documentation against the relevant MCA Code of Practice (typically the Small Commercial Vessel / SPV Code).
As a Certifying Authority Examiner, SVG Marine completes the coding examination, documents the findings, supports remedial actions and prepares the certification pack for submission to the Certifying Authority, which then issues the coding certificate.
From the coding examination
A Small Commercial Vessel coding examination audits machinery installation, generator and electrical distribution, freshwater and fuel systems, and the on-deck safety set-up against the applicable MCA Code of Practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is MCA coding?
MCA coding is the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency examination required for any small commercial vessel — including charter yachts and sail training boats — carrying paying passengers. The vessel is examined against the relevant MCA Code of Practice (SPV Code) and, if compliant, issued a coding certificate by a Certifying Authority.
Do I need MCA coding for my charter yacht?
Yes. Any UK-flagged yacht carrying paying guests — bareboat or skippered, sail or motor — must hold a current MCA coding certificate for the area and number of passengers being carried. Foreign-flagged yachts chartering in UK waters may have equivalent flag-state requirements.
How long does MCA coding take?
Initial coding inspection typically takes a half-day to a full day on board, plus structural and documentation review. From first enquiry to issued certificate, allow two to six weeks depending on the vessel's condition and how quickly any remedial items are completed.
What is an MCA Certifying Authority Examiner?
A Certifying Authority Examiner is an individual authorised by an MCA-approved Certifying Authority to carry out coding examinations and issue certification on its behalf. SVG Marine holds Certifying Authority Examiner status, so the entire coding process — examination, paperwork and certification — is handled directly.
How often does MCA coding need to be renewed?
Coded vessels are subject to an annual inspection by the owner or operator, an intermediate examination part-way through the certificate's life, and a full re-coding examination every five years.
What's the difference between an MCA coding examination and a normal yacht survey?
A yacht survey reports on the overall condition of the vessel. An MCA coding examination is a compliance check against a specific MCA Code of Practice (the SPV Code or its equivalents), focused on whether the vessel — and its documentation — meets the legal standard required to operate commercially.
Which codes do you examine to?
SVG Marine examines yachts under the MCA Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) Code framework, including the Workboat Code where applicable. The relevant code, area category and passenger limits are agreed up front based on how the vessel will operate.
Do you handle the certification paperwork?
Yes. As a Certifying Authority Examiner, SVG Marine completes the MCA coding examination, compiles the structural, machinery, stability and equipment documentation, and submits the certification pack directly to the Certifying Authority, which then issues the coding certificate.
Where can you carry out an MCA coding examination?
Throughout the UK — Southampton, the Solent, the South Coast and South Wales — and across the Mediterranean and wider Europe for UK-flagged vessels and Red Ensign Group flag states.
What is an owner or operator's annual inspection?
Between full coding examinations, the owner or operator must carry out a documented annual self-inspection covering safety equipment, fire systems, ground tackle, navigation and operational documentation. SVG Marine can support owners with the format and content if required.
Need a yacht survey?
Response within 24 hours · UK, Europe and worldwide coverage · Detailed written quotation
