The MCA codes cover the following types of vessels:

> Sailing charter vessels, including skippered and bareboat
> Motor charter vessels, including angling and dive boats
> RIBs operating commercially
> Workboats
> Pilot boats
> Police boats
> Hovercraft

There are seven categories covering various areas of operation. These are:

> Category 6 – Within 3 miles from the home port in favourable weather and daylight
> Category 5 – Within 20 miles from the home port in favourable weather and daylight
> Category 5 – Within 3 miles of land and within protected waters in favourable weather and daylight
> Category 4 – Up to 20 miles from a safe haven, in favourable weather and in daylight
> Category 3 – Up to 20 miles from a safe haven
> Category 2 – Up to 60 miles from a safe haven
> Category 1 – Up to 150 miles from a safe haven
> Category 0 – Unrestricted service

You will need to use an MCA approved Nominated Coding Surveyor to perform the Compliance Examination. Along with the appropriate paperwork. Compliance examination starts a certification cycle lasting five years. This five year cycle is subject to annual renewals and will require additional surveys to be performed by your Nominated Coding Surveyor, the frequency of which depends on the Code of Practice and the nature of your boat’s operations.

YDSA is the largest MCA Certifying Authority for Small Commercial Vessels (SCV) and Medusa Marine is a YDSA nominated surveyor to undertake compliance examinations for Categories 2 to 6, up to 12 persons and up to 1 tonne of load. YDSA is also a Certifying Authority for the following overseas administrations that are part of the Red Ensign Group:

> British Virgin Islands – www.vishipping.gov.vg
> Cayman Islands – www.cishipping.com
> Gibraltar – www.gibraltar.gov.gi
> Guernsey – www.guernseyharbours.gov.gg
> Jersey – www.ports.je

To start the process down load the following form Application Form and contact Medusa Marine on 07831 160402 or use the contact form on the website.