MCA Coding · Southampton
MCA Coding Survey Southampton
MCA coding examinations carried out locally across Southampton, the Solent and the South Coast — UK-flagged charter yachts coded to the Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) Code by a Certifying Authority Examiner.
What this service involves
The Solent is the largest concentration of charter and sail-training activity in the UK, and most of those vessels are required to hold a valid MCA coding certificate. SVG Marine is based locally and carries out MCA coding examinations on charter yachts throughout Southampton, Hamble, Cowes, Lymington, Gosport, Portsmouth, Hayling Island and Chichester as a Certifying Authority Examiner — examination, documentation and certification handled in one engagement.
An MCA coding examination is a structured assessment of the vessel and its documentation against the relevant Code of Practice — typically the Small Commercial Vessel (SPV) Code. We examine the structure of the hull, the machinery installation, stability, fire protection, life-saving appliances, navigation equipment, ground tackle and the operational documentation kept on board. The examination outcome includes the area category (Category 0 to 6) and the maximum number of persons on board the certificate will permit.
Being based on the South Coast means same-week attendance is usually realistic, which matters when a vessel is between charters, mid-refit or under broker pressure to achieve commercial-ready status. We work flexibly around lift slots at Universal, Swanwick, Berthon, Haslar and Endeavour Quay, and around the operational diaries of schools, charter fleets and corporate operators.
For owners new to commercial operation, SVG Marine offers a pre-coding gap analysis ahead of the formal examination — a half-day visit that lists exactly what the vessel needs to meet the relevant Code. That avoids surprises on examination day and lets owners plan remedial spend against a realistic timeline.
Where we work
SVG Marine is based on the South Coast and attends Solent marinas, South Coast yards and Isle of Wight bases as standard. Travel further along the South Coast — Poole, Weymouth, Brighton — and into the West Country can be arranged on request.
- Ocean Village
- Shamrock Quay
- Town Quay
- Hamble Point
- Mercury Yacht Harbour
- Port Hamble
- Universal Marina
- Swanwick Marina
- Hythe Marina
- Cowes Yacht Haven
- East Cowes Marina
- Lymington Yacht Haven
- Berthon Lymington
- Haslar Marina
- Gosport Marina
- Port Solent
- Northney Marina
- Chichester Marina
Recent projects
A selection of recent assignments — vessel and client details anonymised where required by our duty of confidentiality to owners, insurers and buyers.
44ft sailing yacht — Hamble
Initial MCA coding to SPV Code Category 2 for a sailing school adding capacity to its Solent fleet. Pre-coding gap analysis followed by examination after refit.
58ft motor yacht — Ocean Village
Re-coding examination for a Solent-based corporate hospitality operator, scheduled around an existing antifoul lift at a local yard.
50ft catamaran — Cowes
Initial coding for a UK-flagged charter catamaran joining a South Coast fleet. Stability book and fire-detection upgrade signed off ahead of season.
40ft sailing yacht — Lymington
Intermediate examination for a privately owned, occasionally chartered yacht. Annual self-inspection format reviewed with owner.
72ft motor yacht — Gosport
Re-coding examination on a yacht returning from Mediterranean charter into Solent operation. Documentation aligned with new RYA-instructor crewing pattern.
36ft RIB — Portsmouth Harbour
Initial Workboat Code coding for a commercial RIB operator, including stability assessment and safe operating limits.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get an MCA coding survey done in Southampton?
SVG Marine is based locally and codes UK-flagged charter yachts throughout Southampton, Hamble, the Solent and the wider South Coast. Most coding examinations can be scheduled within a week or two of first enquiry.
Which Solent marinas do you cover?
Ocean Village, Shamrock Quay, Town Quay, Hamble Point, Mercury Yacht Harbour, Port Hamble, Universal Marina, Swanwick Marina, Hythe Marina, Cowes Yacht Haven, East Cowes Marina, Lymington Yacht Haven, Berthon Lymington, Haslar Marina, Gosport Marina, Port Solent, Northney Marina, Chichester Marina — among others.
Do I need MCA coding if I'm chartering in UK waters?
Yes. Any UK-flagged yacht carrying paying passengers — bareboat, skippered, day charter or sail training — must hold a current MCA coding certificate appropriate to its operating area and number of persons on board.
How long does an MCA coding examination take?
A typical examination is a full day on board, often combined with a short haul-out for the underwater inspection. Allow two to six weeks from initial enquiry to issued certificate depending on the vessel's condition and the speed of any remedial actions.
What's the difference between coding and a normal yacht survey?
A yacht survey reports on overall condition; an MCA coding examination is a compliance check against the SPV Code or its equivalents, focused on whether the vessel and its documentation meet the legal standard required to operate commercially.
Can you handle the certification paperwork?
Yes. SVG Marine is a Certifying Authority Examiner through IIMS, so the examination, structural and stability documentation review and submission to the Certifying Authority for certificate issue are all handled in-house.
How often does the coding certificate need to be renewed?
Owner annual self-inspection each year, 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 the coding examination with a pre-purchase or insurance survey?
Yes. For yachts entering a charter operation it is efficient to combine coding with a pre-purchase or insurance survey — one mobilisation, one haul-out and three reports written for the buyer, the insurer and the Certifying Authority.
Need a yacht survey?
Response within 24 hours · UK, Europe and worldwide coverage · Detailed written quotation
