Information on the Regulations Applicable to Pleasure Vessels
Version 8 09/09/2007

Fire Protection and Life Saving Appliances for Pleasure Vessels over 13.7 metres in length (45ft)
In May 2002 the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) had reason to prosecute the owner of a privately owned motor cruiser for not keeping a proper look out and for having inadequate, time expired and insufficient life saving equipment on board his boat. The owner was convicted at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

Following this conviction the British Marine Federation (BMF) approached the MCA about the practical problems associated with complying with the Merchant Shipping Regulations for life saving appliances and fire protection. The possible conflict in also having to comply with the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD), with which vessels being placed on the market for the first time in Europe have to comply, was also raised.

BMF, MCA and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) met and agreed equivalent standards of safety which avoids possible conflict with the RCD and takes account of equipment which is readily available and commonly used by the private boat owner. Unlike the Merchant Shipping Regulations, the agreed equivalent standards require boats to carry VHF radio and this means of summoning help is reflected in the scale of equipment required, which varies according to the distance from the coast that the vessel will be operating.  

The MCA has issued general exemptions, to Class XII vessels from the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Small Craft) Regulations 1998 and the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances For Ships Other Than Ships Of Classes III To VI(A)) Regulations 1999, provided that they comply with the agreed equivalent standards. This gives owners a choice of direct compliance with the existing MS Regulations or the equivalent standards.