New Shipping Minister Unveils Large Yacht Code at Southampton Boat Show (UK)

Newly appointed Shipping Minister, Stephen Hammond, has today visited the PSP Southampton Boat Show. Mr Hammond has looked around the biggest water-based boat show in Europe, and visited the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) who once again have a stand at the event.

This year marks the publication of the third edition of the Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3). The Code provides a regulatory framework that is tailor-made to suit the needs of large yachts. It allows yachts to be designed, constructed and operated in safety and to achieve standards that are equivalent to the international maritime regulations that govern merchant ships; which has been developed by a working group in order to keep up with developments in the industry.

It will be used as a blueprint document to guide designers and builders until it formally supercedes the LY2 Code in August 2013.

Shipping Minister Stephen Hammond said:

“Being born and bred in Southampton it was a real privilege to attend the Boat Show as the new Shipping Minister. The maritime industry is vital to the UK economy and this visit to Southampton has given me the perfect introduction to the sector. Maritime safety is something I take very seriously, so I am also pleased to unveil the MCA’s new code of practice which will promote the very highest standards of construction and operation of large yachts.”

Director of Maritime Safety and Standards, Philip Naylor, said:

“The MCA has worked very closely with representatives from the large yacht industry, equipment manufacturers and fellow members of the Red Ensign Group to update the Large Yacht Code. This new edition reflects the many changes that have taken place since the second edition was published in 2007. In particular, the Code now provides pragmatic and economically achievable standards for crew accommodation in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).”

The primary concern of the MCA is saving lives. Last year, the Coastguard responded to 23,012 incidents around the coast. That’s an increase of 846 on 2010.

To ensure boat users have the right safety equipment on board and know how to use it, the coastguard will be on hand at stand JO19 Mayflower Hall to offer them some key safety advice.

Acting Chief Coastguard Peter Dymond said:

“The Southampton Boat Show provides us with an excellent opportunity to chat with both new and experienced boaters. We want to make sure everyone stays safe when out at sea. This event gives us the ideal chance to advise people on best practice and how to actually improve their safety whilst enjoying our wonderful coastline.”

Some of the key topics boat users will be able to discuss at the MCA stand include:

Automatic Identification System (AIS) – its use and advantages for the small boat user Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) – what you need know and how to register it Navtex – what it is (including Maritime Safety Information) VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) what it is, its benefits and a brief overview of how and when to use it The Coastguard small boat registration scheme (CG66).