Large Yacht Services Notes on Approach of MCA to Large Yacht Surveys Ensign, the Large Yacht Unit of the MCA, should always carry out the surveys on UK large commercial yachts. However, where the eventual flag is unknown, or other than British, we can still carry out a survey for compliance with the MCA Code. It should be noted that the documentation we issue, either a Charter Yacht Certificate or a Letter of Compliance, may not have any standing with another flag authority but it would indicate a standard of safety as required by the Code. If the flag was known to be Red Ensign but not UK; for example Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, B.V.I. or the Isle of Man; that administration should be approached. Yacht builders should note that when drawing up contracts which call for a Charter Yacht Certificate, some items e.g. crew qualifications and ISM requirements are beyond their control and in the hands of the owner.In such cases a Letter of Compliance should be stipulated. A Division of Responsibilities is available (see foot of page) showing who has responsibility for the survey of each of the different Code sections. It will be noted that a large part, comprising the hull and machinery, falls to the class society. For the sections that are for the MCA we would carry out the plan approval and survey. A MCA surveyor would probably visit a minimum of three times, once at an early stage, once to witness stability tests (when construction 98% complete) and a final visit on completion. For us to issue the final documentation we would need a statement from the class society indicating that their sections of the Code have been satisfactorily completed. Also class should issue an International Load Line Certificate using the relaxations permitted by the Code, and a certificate of classification. If the vessel is over 500gt they should also issue a Cargo Ship Construction certificate. Class Societies recognised by the MCA are ABS, BV, DNV, GL, LR and RINA. For the sections of the Code which the MCA would cover a list of drawings is provided (see foot of page) which would help in the survey. These should be submitted early in the project to prevent any problems once construction is complete. Our fees are presently GBP125 per hour for plan approval, survey and travel, plus expenses and we are required to obtain a deposit in advance and to maintain the account in credit thereafter. We have no involvement with the fees charged by the class society. The full name of the original Code is the Code of Practice for Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels (now known as LY1). A revised code, The Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2) has been published since August 2005 and is available for download from the Guidance pages. If you wish to proceed with the survey please complete and return the Application for Survey and Yacht Information Sheet available below. We will then be able to advise the various methods available to pay the deposit fees. Note that the quickest way to transfer fees is by credit card. For any further information please contact Ensign's main office at South Shields. Document download:- Division of responsibilities LY2 (pdf 47kb) Yacht Information Sheet - Existing (pdf 66kb) Yacht Information Sheet - Newbuild (pdf 65kb) Application for survey - large yacht (pdf 88kb) Exemption Certificate & Application Form (183 kb) Revised 15/10/09 |