MCA Coding · Antigua · Nov–Dec 2026
MCA Coding Survey Antigua
UK-flagged and Red Ensign charter yachts in Antigua coded to the MCA Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) Code across November and December 2026 — scheduled around the Antigua Charter Yacht Show and the start of the Caribbean charter season.
What this service involves
Antigua is the operating base for a significant portion of the world's chartered sailing and motor-yacht fleet through the Caribbean winter. The Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December is the primary trade event of the season — brokers, charter managers and operators all converge on English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, and the standards expected of the boats moored alongside are correspondingly high.
For UK-flagged vessels carrying paying guests, MCA coding is not optional; the certificate is what makes the charter legal, insurable and acceptable to brokers and charterers. SVG Marine attends Antigua as a Certifying Authority Examiner through IIMS, which means the coding examination, structural and stability documentation review, and the certification pack submission to the Certifying Authority are all handled directly — no second surveyor, no split fee.
The coding examination assesses the vessel against the Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) Code: hull and structure, machinery installation, stability, fire protection, life-saving appliances, navigation equipment, ground tackle and the operational documentation on board. The certificate issued at the end of the process specifies the area category (Category 0 to 6) and the maximum number of persons on board.
For Antigua-based operators the practical advantage is timing — coding visits are normally combined with a Jolly Harbour lift or Catamaran Marina haul-out for the underwater inspection and antifoul, so examination, paperwork and yard work happen in the same window rather than the vessel being out of revenue twice.
Where we work
Coding visits to Antigua in November and December 2026 are batched into combined trips. Onward mobilisation to St Lucia, St Martin, the BVI and Grenada can normally be added without duplicating travel cost.
- Nelson's Dockyard
- English Harbour
- Falmouth Harbour Marina
- Antigua Yacht Club Marina
- Jolly Harbour Marina & Boatyard
- North Sound Marina
- Catamaran Marina
- Rodney Bay (St Lucia)
- St Martin
- BVI (Tortola)
- Grenada
Frequently asked questions
When is SVG Marine in Antigua for MCA coding?
Across November and December 2026, scheduled around the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December and the ARC and ARC+ arrivals through November. Coding slots in English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour and Jolly Harbour can be booked for that window.
Can a yacht based in Antigua be MCA coded?
Yes. UK-flagged yachts and yachts under Red Ensign Group flags (Cayman, BVI, Isle of Man, Gibraltar) can be MCA coded anywhere in the world. SVG Marine attends Antigua as a Certifying Authority Examiner through IIMS.
Why code ahead of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show?
The Show in early December is the main charter-broker event for the Caribbean season. Vessels arriving with current MCA coding present materially better to brokers, charterers and insurers — the certificate evidences commercial-standard build, equipment and operation.
Which Antigua yards and marinas do you cover?
Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour Marina, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Jolly Harbour Marina and Boatyard, North Sound Marina and Catamaran Marina. Underwater inspections use the Jolly Harbour travel-lift or the Catamaran Marina haul-out.
What does the coding examination cover?
The vessel is assessed against the Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) Code: hull and structure, machinery, stability, fire protection, life-saving appliances, navigation equipment, ground tackle and operational documentation. The certificate specifies area category (Category 0 to 6) and maximum persons on board.
Can you combine coding with insurance or pre-purchase work?
Yes — and it is the obvious approach in Antigua, where mobilisation is the largest single cost. A combined coding + insurance attendance or coding + pre-purchase attendance pays for itself for the owner.
What if remedial items are needed?
You receive a written defects list with each item categorised as critical, condition or recommendation. Minor closing items are usually evidenced photographically; re-attendance is only scheduled where genuinely required.
What's the renewal cycle?
Annual owner or operator self-inspection, an intermediate Certifying Authority examination part-way through the certificate's life, and a full re-coding examination every five years.
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