The Workboat Association

The Workboat Association is the trade, skills and safety standards association for the workboat industry.

Since its inception in 1994, the association has acted as a crucial point of liaison between its membership and key regulatory and industry bodies, such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It has also driven the creation of safety, technical and best practice standards, provided a unifying platform for industry lobbying and debate, and delivered industry-recognised training and certification opportunities.

Core achievements include the introduction and subsequent revision of the MCA Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Small Workboats – the “Workboat Code”, the High Speed Offshore Service Craft Code and the formation of the Workboat Apprenticeship scheme – leading to a recognised Diploma in Workboat Studies and all required certification to begin a career onboard.

The Workboat Association has a membership base of over 150 workboat owners, operators, stakeholders and professionals’ collectively representing over 700 operational vessels across the world.

The SCMS and the Workboat Association have been working closely together since the inception of the Workboat Code in 1993 and the SCMS is also an Associate Member of the association. This close relationship allows The SCMS to work alongside The Workboat Association as many of our customers are members. Together we advocate for industry and ensure that the views of examiners, owners and managing agents are put forward to Government and cost implications are considered when regulations are being drafted. The information that The SCMS provide to The Workboat Association allow them to understand the current concerns and issues form the surveying side of the sector.