MCA Coding · Greece
MCA Coding Survey Greece
UK-flagged charter yachts based in Greece coded to the MCA Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) Code by a Certifying Authority Examiner — examination, documentation and certification handled end-to-end.
What this service involves
The Greek islands and mainland coastline are one of the busiest charter markets in the Mediterranean. For UK-flagged yachts carrying paying guests, that activity is only legal — and only insurable — with a valid MCA coding certificate. SVG Marine carries out MCA coding examinations on charter yachts throughout Greece as a Certifying Authority Examiner, so the examination, documentation review and certificate submission are all handled by one person.
An MCA coding examination is a structured assessment against the relevant Code of Practice — typically the Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) Code — covering the structure of the vessel, the machinery installation, stability, fire protection, life-saving appliances, navigation equipment, ground tackle and the operational documentation the skipper carries on board. The vessel is examined for its intended area of operation (Category 0 to 6) and number of persons on board, and the certificate issued reflects those limits.
For charter operators based in Greece, the practical advantage of an MCA-coded yacht is two-fold. The certificate is internationally recognised by charter brokers, MGA insurers and Red Ensign flag administrations; and the inspection regime — annual self-inspection, intermediate examination and five-yearly re-coding — keeps the vessel demonstrably maintained, which protects both guests and the operator's insurance position.
SVG Marine combines IIMS-credentialled survey experience with practical knowledge of charter operations in Greek waters. The result is a coding process that is pragmatic, on-time and aligned with the realities of running a yacht out of an Aegean or Ionian base — not just a box-ticking compliance exercise.
Where we work
SVG Marine attends charter yachts throughout the Greek islands and mainland coastline. Most coding examinations are arranged within one to three weeks of first enquiry; for charter operators with tight turnaround windows between guest weeks, we will schedule around the charter calendar wherever possible.
The Greek ports below are visited regularly; travel further afield in Greece — and into the wider Mediterranean — can normally be arranged on request.
- Athens / Alimos
- Kalamaki
- Lavrion
- Volos
- Skiathos
- Corfu
- Lefkada
- Kefalonia
- Paros
- Mykonos
- Rhodes
- Kos
- Crete
- Syros
Recent projects
A selection of recent assignments — vessel and client details anonymised where required by our duty of confidentiality to owners, insurers and buyers.
45ft sailing yacht — Lavrion
Initial MCA coding for a UK-flagged sailing yacht entering a Cyclades-based bareboat fleet. Examined to SPV Code Category 2 with a haul-out for the underwater inspection at Lavrion.
62ft motor yacht — Athens
Re-coding examination for an MGA-managed motor yacht working Saronic and Argolic charters out of Alimos. Stability documentation refreshed, life-raft and EPIRB programme aligned to renewal cycle.
50ft catamaran — Corfu
Intermediate examination for a UK-flagged charter catamaran operating the Ionian. Fire-detection upgrade signed off and certificate maintained without interruption to the charter calendar.
38ft sailing yacht — Lefkada
Pre-purchase survey combined with initial MCA coding examination, allowing the buyer to take the yacht into commercial charter immediately after closing.
70ft motor yacht — Mykonos
Coding examination scheduled around a day-charter operator's high-season programme, with reporting and certification turned around within ten days.
44ft catamaran — Paros
Re-coding examination for a multi-hull operating skippered cabin charters. Bilge-pumping arrangements and emergency steering re-checked at five-yearly renewal.
Frequently asked questions
Can a yacht based in Greece be MCA coded?
Yes. UK-flagged yachts based anywhere in the world can hold an MCA Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) coding certificate. SVG Marine travels to the vessel — whether in Athens, Lavrion, Corfu, Lefkada, the Cyclades or anywhere else in Greece — and carries out the coding examination on site.
Do I need MCA coding to charter my yacht in Greek waters?
If your yacht is UK-flagged and carries paying guests, an MCA coding certificate is required regardless of where it operates. Greek-flagged vessels follow the Greek Ministry of Mercantile Marine regulations; many owners with UK-flagged yachts in Greece choose MCA coding because it is internationally recognised and accepted by charter brokers.
How long does an MCA coding examination take in Greece?
A coding examination typically takes one full day on board, often combined with a short haul-out for the underwater inspection. Allowing time for any remedial work and certification paperwork, owners should budget two to six weeks from first attendance to issued certificate.
Which Greek ports and marinas do you regularly attend?
Athens (Alimos, Kalamaki, Glyfada), Lavrion, Volos, Skiathos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kos, Crete and the wider Cyclades and Dodecanese. Travel further afield in Greece can normally be arranged within a week.
Do you handle the certification paperwork end-to-end?
Yes. SVG Marine is a Certifying Authority Examiner through the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS). The coding examination, structural and stability documentation review, and the certification pack submission to the Certifying Authority are all handled directly.
What if my yacht needs remedial work to pass coding?
Most yachts require some minor remedial items at first coding — additional safety equipment, fire-system upgrades, or revised documentation. We provide a clear written list, agree priorities with the owner or skipper, and re-attend (or accept photographic close-out) for minor items where appropriate.
How often does the certificate need renewing?
Coded vessels have an annual self-inspection by the owner or operator, an intermediate examination by the Certifying Authority Examiner part-way through the five-year cycle, and a full re-coding examination every five years.
Can you combine coding with a pre-purchase or insurance survey?
Yes. If the vessel is being bought into a charter operation, combining a pre-purchase or insurance survey with the coding examination is efficient — one mobilisation, one haul-out and one set of reports tailored to the buyer, insurer and Certifying Authority.
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