Can a workboat over 24m be coded if it is a pre 1968 vessel under 150GT

No even though the Workboat Code Edition 2 states that they can this is incorrect.

As per the MCA Codes team:

Clarification: Workboats under 150GT Built Prior to 1968 SI 1998/1609 is the enabling regulation under which the Workboat Codes are hung.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/1609/made

This regulation defines a small vessel as being no longer than 24m in load line length. There is no age allowance in SI 1998/1609 as otherwise provided for vessels operating for Sport and Pleasure in SI 1998/2771, therefore workboats are restricted to 24m LLL regardless of age. We acknowledge that this is an error in Workboat Code Edition 2 and are working to rectify this – however SI 1998/1609 as the enabling regulation takes precedence.

An owner is not going to use their vessel for some time. What options do they have with regards to the vessel's certification?

Generally an owner will need to continue to have their vessel surveyed and certificated. If the certificate lapses they would need to restart the process of 5 year certification from scratch to use the vessel again. This would of course incur all the standard checks for stability, construction etc as well as the certification survey and therefore all associated costs.

Under MGN 1768 do CAT C First Aid kits only required to cover the crew, or do they need to cover passengers and crew

The regulations enforcing the carriage of first aid kits refers to the number of Crew and not passengers or persons so the first aid kit carried onboard should be suitable for the amount of crew present.

Do First Aid kits need to be sealed and replaced if any item is used?

No. Providing all the individual items are present and in date then the kit does not need to be sealed but should be kept safely and securely. Owners can replace whole kits if they so wish, however this is not a requirement.

I have undertaken a survey and given the owner a 'defects list'. Do I need to send the office a copy too?

Yes, Please send a copy of the defects list to the office as this will act as a notification to the office that a survey has been conducted. We will wait for notification that defects have been completed satisfactorily to issue any further documentation.

What should I do if I have been notified that an SCMS vessel has been involved in an accident/incident?

Let the office know as soon as possible so that the appropriate actions can be undertaken. Please provide as many details of the incident as possible and where appropriate any photographic evidence.

Does a Cat 1 vessel carrying 12 persons still need all the same LSA equipment if it is doing a Cat 2 voyage?

Yes. The vessel is required to be fully compliant with the relevant code of practise against the parameters (Area Category, Maximum Persons Carried) given on the SCMS issued commercial Certificate. If the vessel wishes to reduce or increase any of these parameters then a new Certificate must be issued and LSA checked against the increased or reduced requirements.

How should freeboards be dealt with for a vessel that is dual purpose e.g. a fishing vessel and a guard vessel?

Only one set of Load Line marks should be displayed and clearly visible at one time. The other one should be obliterated with the associated load line certificate safely locked away. The master should ensure that the certificate in use corresponds to the Load Line marks displayed.

Do vessels delivering fuel from their own bunker tanks need to follow 29.7.1.9 from Workboat Code Edition 2 in regards to insulation of the tank?

No paragraph 29.7.1.9 does not apply to vessels delivering fuel from their own bunker tanks. This section applies when additional fuel tanks have been installed on the vessel in which case the A-60 insulation is required.

Can a previously uncoded vessel come under the Workboat Code if it is built per 1968 with a GRT less than 150?

No. Even though the new Workboat Code Edition 2 states that they can, the SI behind it does not allow for this. The MCA are working towards changing the SI so that it will be possible in future however.

Can a vessel build pre 2019 come under the old "brown" workboat code?

No MSN1892 further clarifies that any the new Workboat Code Edition 2 applies to any vessel in which the construction or lay-up was started, on or after the first day in which the Workboat Code Edition 2 came into force, OR any vessel where there has not been a valid certificate for the previous five years.

Can CCTV or other visual aids be used as a substitute for human line of sight?

No the MCA position is that they can be used as assistive devices but may not be used as a substitute for human line of sight.

Does a coded vessel need to be fully compliant if it is working in Categorised Waters?

According to the Statutory instruments the CA cannot insist on a vessel being fully compliant against the code if it is working in Categories waters and is a workboat. However its code certificate may be suspended.

The SI for small commercial vessels however states that if a vessel has a small commercial certificate it should be fully compliant even if the vessel is not working at sea.