Regulatory updates for yachts
Monitor verified updates from Flag States, international maritime bodies, Port State Control regimes and classification societies. Understand which vessels may be affected, important effective dates and whether action may be required.
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Isle of Man — Isle of Man Ship Registry
3 updatesManx Shipping Notice 054 (Rev. 5): Red Ensign Group Yacht Code & Isle of Man LY3 National Annex
The Isle of Man Ship Registry issued Revision 5 of MSN-054, consolidating the REG Yacht Code and the Isle of Man's LY3 National Annex. It sets out how REG Yacht Code Part A applies to commercial yachts of 24m+. This revision incorporates updated guidance on equivalent pilot-boarding arrangements requiring a documented risk assessment.
Manx Shipping Notice 033: Pleasure Vessel Manning
MSN-033 sets out the Isle of Man Ship Registry's mandatory minimum manning requirements for pleasure yachts of 24m+, applying SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 14. It is an offence under the Manning and STCW Regulations for such a yacht to proceed to sea without being adequately manned. Owners deviating from the tables must complete a documented equivalent-safety assessment.
Bermuda — Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
3 updatesBermuda Guidance Notice 2026-08 – LRIT and EPIRB Guidance
Bermuda Guidance Notice 2026-08, issued 20 August 2026, consolidates LRIT and EPIRB equipment requirements. It confirms LRIT is mandatory under SOLAS V/19-1 for ships 300GT+, requiring reporting of test reports to Bermuda's Maritime Operations Centre. Bermuda-flagged yachts 300GT+ on international voyages need to verify LRIT conformance records.
Bermuda Guidance Notice 2026-02 - Guidance on SSAS Tests
Bermuda Guidance Notice 2026-02, issued 19 February 2026, clarifies SSAS testing requirements under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, regulation 6. It requires annual end-to-end testing with 3-working-days' advance notice to the BSMA. Large Bermuda-flagged yachts holding an ISSC need to build this into their annual ISPS drill schedule.
United Kingdom — Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
3 updatesMSN 1905 (M+F) Amendment 5 ships' medical stores
MSN 1905 Amendment 5, published 13 August 2026, sets out current minimum medical stores requirements for UK-flagged ships, replacing Amendment 4. It includes annexes detailing medicines, dressings and equipment required by vessel category. Operators need to reconcile onboard stock and DMLC medical provisioning against the new annexes.
MGN 711 (M) The Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2026
This Marine Guidance Note explains the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/563), which give effect in UK law to the Paris MOU on Port State Control. It replaces MSN 1832 Amendment 1 and was finalized on 22 July 2026. The note sets out how vessels calling at UK ports are subject to PSC inspection under the Paris MOU regime.
Poland — Urząd Morski w Gdyni (regional maritime office)
2 updatesZarządzenie Nr 20 Dyrektora Urzędu Morskiego w Gdyni z dnia 6 sierpnia 2026 r. w sprawie ustanowienia strefy bezpieczeństwa dla kabli eksportowych morskiej farmy wiatrowej Baltic Power
The Director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia issued Order No. 20, establishing a safety zone around the export cables of the Baltic Power offshore wind farm. The order restricts navigation and anchoring within the defined cable corridor. Vessels transiting the southern Baltic coast, including yachts, must respect the marked safety zone.
Zarządzenie porządkowe Nr 15 Dyrektora Urzędu Morskiego w Gdyni z dnia 30 czerwca 2026 r. w sprawie sposobu nakładania i uiszczania kar FuelEU
Order No. 15 of the Director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia establishes the procedure for imposing FuelEU penalties and issuing FuelEU compliance documents under EU Regulation 2023/1805. This is chiefly relevant to larger commercial/charter yachts that fall within FuelEU Maritime's scope. DPAs handling FuelEU documentation for qualifying vessels should note this local administrative procedure.
Lloyd's Register (LR)
2 updatesLR-validated SEA Index® extends CO₂ certification to the whole recreational yachting sector
The SEA Index®, a CO₂ emissions assessment methodology validated by Lloyd's Register, has expanded its scope beyond superyachts to cover the whole recreational boating market. While not a formal classification rule change, this expansion now brings a much larger population of production yachts into scope for environmental-performance tracking.
LR introduces new wind propulsion and ergonomics rules to support decarbonisation and crew safety (Notice No. 5 to LR's July 2025 rule sets)
Lloyd's Register published Notice No. 5 to its rule sets, introducing new WAPS (wind-assisted propulsion) and EASE (ergonomic design) notations. The existing RIGGING notation has also been revised, setting requirements for DynaRig and traditional sailing vessel classification. The updated RIGGING notation is directly relevant to newbuild sailing superyachts using wind as their sole propulsion.
ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai)
2 updatesOn 29 June 2026, Technical Rules and Guidance were partly amended
ClassNK issued amendments to its Technical Rules and Guidance spanning hull, machinery, equipment and survey requirements. Of particular relevance to yachts is an update to reference standards for FRP (composite) products. The package also updates the Guidance for Inclining Test, applicable to all vessel types including yachts.
On 25 December 2025, Technical Rules and Guidance were partly amended
ClassNK issued a broad package of amendments to its Technical Rules and Guidance. The item of most direct relevance to yachts is an update to requirements related to multihull craft, directly affecting catamaran-type yachts. The package also covers mechanical strength testing requirements for side scuttles/portlights.
Bahamas — Bahamas Maritime Authority
3 updatesMN080 – Inspection and Testing of Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Marine Notice 80 (v1.2, effective 12 June 2026) sets out the BMA's inspection and testing regime for automatic sprinkler and water-mist systems required under SOLAS Chapter II-2 or the HSC Code. It introduces a tiered testing approach triggered by system age and results, plus water-quality sampling and reporting. Creates concrete testing obligations for Bahamas-flagged yachts with fitted sprinkler/water-mist systems.
MN108 – Hatches, Lifting Appliances and Anchor Handling Winches
Marine Notice 108 (v1.1, effective 6 May 2026) implements SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 3-13 (in force since 1 January 2026). It captures cranes/davits used for launch/recovery of tenders, introducing a five-year load-testing cycle. Applies to Bahamian ships with SOLAS certification and lifting appliances of 1000kg SWL+.
British Virgin Islands — Virgin Islands Shipping & Maritime Authority
2 updatesMarine Circular 02/2026 - Fraudulent Documentation in Maritime Matters
Marine Circular 02/2026, issued 11 June 2026, alerts stakeholders to recent incidents involving fraudulent passports and certificates submitted for registration or crewing purposes. It restates VISMA's zero-tolerance policy, requiring independent verification through official channels. Yacht managers should tighten due diligence on crew certificates and vessel documentation.
Marine Circular 01/2026 - Virgin Islands Registered Yachts Engaged in Trade
Marine Circular 01/2026, issued 26 May 2026 by VISMA, establishes the "Yacht Engaged in Trade" (YET) scheme, allowing a BVI-registered pleasure yacht of 24m+ to charter up to 84 days per year in EU waters without switching to commercial registration. Eligible yachts must comply with the REG Yacht Code, MLC 2006, MARPOL, ISM and ISPS. While chartering the yacht is treated as commercial, carrying a maximum of 12 passengers.
Cayman Islands — Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands
2 updatesGuidance Note CIGN 04/2026 (Rev.1.0) — Additional Voluntary Flag Notations for Yachts
The Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) has introduced a national annex to the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code, allowing yachts to be assigned voluntary "Additional Voluntary Flag Notations" recognising safety standards that exceed the REG Code's mandatory minimums. Five notations are currently available: Fire Safety+ (sprinkler protection in accommodation/service spaces on yachts under 500GT), Passive Fire Protection+ (enhanced structural fire containment on short-range yachts under 500GT), Survivability+ (damage stability compliance on short-range yachts under 500GT), Seaworthiness+ (compliance with the IMO Intact Stability Code's severe weather criterion), and Weight Growth+ (a stability margin exceeding 5% of the yacht's lightweight). MACI recommends owners and their technical advisors consider these notations at the new-build specification stage, since retrofitting is more costly. The notations are entirely voluntary and do not alter mandatory REG Yacht Code requirements.
Shipping Notice 01/2025 (Rev 01) — The Carriage of Additional Guests on Private Yachts
The Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (CISR) issued this Shipping Notice, dated 4 September 2025, updating its regulatory framework for carrying "additional guests" beyond the certified passenger limit on Large Yachts and Passenger Yachts operating in private (non-trading) use. It replaces Guidance Note 04/2022 and removes the previous requirement for time-limited exemptions where the yacht is under shoreside ISM Company management: Large Yachts over 500GT may now cruise with up to 36 guests without a CISR exemption, and Passenger Yachts up to 60, subject to conditions. No exemption is needed for small events at anchor (where guests can be evacuated ashore in one trip using the yacht's own tenders); large events at anchor still require a CISR exemption supported by a detailed risk assessment. Owners, managers and masters must maintain a pre-populated risk assessment under the ISM system and meet additional life-saving provisions such as 100% liferaft capacity and 110% lifejacket coverage for guest events.
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
2 updatesABS Rules for Building and Classing Yachts, January 2026 – Notices and General Information: Rule Change Notice (Part 3, Hull Construction and Equipment)
ABS issued its official Rule Change Notice for the January 2026 edition of the Rules for Building and Classing Yachts. Under Hull Construction and Equipment, changes include clarified deck-versus-bulkhead definitions and a revised design pressure for hatch covers on semi-enclosed decks. These changes are directly binding on shipyards signing new yacht construction contracts.
ABS Rules for Building and Classing Yachts, January 2026 – Notices and General Information: Rule Change Notice (Part 4, Vessel Systems and Machinery)
Within the same ABS January 2026 Yacht Rules Notice, the Vessel Systems and Machinery section introduces changes including linking astern propulsion power to the vessel's maximum astern speed. It also clarifies that fire-extinguishing systems for helideck areas are acceptable without flag Administration approval. These changes are binding on new yacht projects.
Antigua and Barbuda — ADOMS (Dept. of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping)
2 updatesDoctors Appointed in Antigua and Barbuda to Conduct the UK ENG1 Seafarer Medical Exam
ADOMS announced the appointment of the first Antigua-based doctors approved to conduct the UK ENG1 seafarer medical examination required for crew on UK-flagged ships and mega yachts. This reduces the need for crew to travel abroad for certification. This is a practical operational update rather than a change to the underlying medical certification requirement.
Marine Notice 2025-01: Marine Surveys in Antigua and Barbuda Waters that Impact Maritime Safety
ADOMS issued a notice advising that hydrographic marine surveys are being conducted in Antigua and Barbuda's waters for a new fibre-optic submarine cable route. The survey vessel operates 24/7 within a defined box between Montserrat and Antigua & Barbuda. ADOMS advises all mariners, including yacht owners/operators, to keep a wide berth of the working area.
Bureau Veritas (BV)
2 updatesNR561 – Hull in Aluminium Alloys
Bureau Veritas issued a new edition of NR561, Hull in Aluminium Alloys, which entered into force 1 December 2025, superseding the 2022 edition. The revision updates structural-welding requirements including fillet weld location and maximum permitted pitch for intermittent fillet welds. These changes apply directly to hull scantling for aluminium-hulled yachts classed under BV.
NR500 – Rules for the Classification and the Certification of Yachts
Bureau Veritas' NR500 Rules for the Classification and Certification of Yachts remain in force in their October 2024 edition, the current governing text for BV-classed pleasure and charter yachts up to 100 metres. Owners, managers and shipyards contracting new BV-classed yacht builds or major refits should reference this edition.
DNV
3 updatesNow available: July 2025 edition of DNV class rules and documents for ship and offshore
DNV published its July 2025 rules edition covering 119 documents, entering into force 1 January 2026. Key changes include revised propeller/thruster assessment methods, a complete revision of water-jet rules, and updates to alternative-fuel requirements. Every DNV-classed yacht owner or manager should be aware of this annual update cycle.
New DNV Fleet-In-Service rules available from 14 June 2025
DNV's updated Rules for ships in operation entered into force 1 January 2025 and became available from 14 June 2025. Changes include consolidating multiple Planned Maintenance System schemes into a single scheme. DNV will re-issue class certificates for the whole fleet free of charge within twelve months.
Türkiye — Denizcilik Genel Müdürlüğü (T.C. Ulaştırma ve Altyapı Bakanlığı)
2 updatesISPS Duyuru (İran) — Türk Bayraklı Gemilerin İran Limanları, Kıyıları/Açıkları ve Hürmüz Boğazı'nda ISPS Kod Güvenlik Seviyesinin 3'e Çıkartılması
Turkey's Directorate General of Maritime Affairs announced that, due to security incidents in Iran, the ISPS Code security level for Turkish-flagged ships calling at Iranian ports, sailing along Iran's coasts, and transiting the Strait of Hormuz has been raised to Level 3 (the highest level). Security Level 3 requires ships to implement the highest tier of pre-planned security measures. This is a live security directive requiring time-sensitive attention from any Turkish-flagged yacht with itineraries touching these waters.
Petrol ve Diğer Zararlı Maddelerden Kaynaklanan Kirliliğe Hazırlıklı Olma ve Müdahale ile İlgili Eğitim Seminerlerinin ve Tatbikat Programlarının Usul ve Esasları Hakkında Genelge
Circular No. 2022/10 of Turkey's Directorate General of Maritime Affairs sets out procedures for training seminars and drill programmes related to oil/HNS pollution preparedness and response. Circulars of this type implement Turkey's OPRC obligations by mandating periodic pollution response training and exercises for relevant vessels. Yacht operators and DPAs are advised to confirm applicability.
ILO — Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended)
2 updates2025 Amendments to the Code of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006), adopted by the 113th International Labour Conference
A further package of amendments to the MLC, 2006 was adopted at the Fifth Meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee, approved at the 113th International Labour Conference on 6 June 2025. The amendments include, for the first time, recognition of seafarers as key workers, strengthened protections against violence and harassment, and expanded shore-leave rights. The amendments are expected to enter into force 23 December 2027.
Amendments of 2022 to the Code of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) — entry into force
Eight amendments to the Code of the MLC, 2006, adopted by the Special Tripartite Committee in 2022, entered into force on 23 December 2024. The amendments cover repatriation of abandoned seafarers, provision of free drinking water, prompt disembarkation of seafarers needing urgent medical care, and reasonably priced internet access on board. These obligations apply to MLC-covered vessels including larger commercially crewed yachts.
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code (REG Code), Part A — covers UK, Cayman, IoM, Bermuda, Gibraltar, BVI
2 updatesREG Yacht Code Guidance Information 2024/1, Amendment 01 — Implementation Date Change for Stability and Fire Safety Requirements
The Red Ensign Group issued Guidance Information clarifying implementation dates for two requirements in the July 2024 REG Yacht Code, following industry questions. The Guidance disapplies stability criteria for tender-garage vessels and passive fire-protection requirements for vessels under 500GT, for any vessel whose construction contract is signed before 1 July 2025. Naval architects contracting new yacht builds need to track which standard applies.
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Part A — July 2024 Edition
The Red Ensign Group published a revised edition of the REG Yacht Code, the first substantive revision since 2019, entering into force 1 July 2024. Part A, applicable to commercially used yachts of 24m+, was amended with new provisions on battery systems, over-side working systems and fire-appliance installation. The July 2024 edition applies across the six REG Category 1 registers.
RINA
1 updateRules for the Classification of Yachts – 2024 Edition (restructured into Parts A–F)
RINA completed a comprehensive rewrite and reorganisation of its Rules for the Classification of Yachts, entering into force 1 July 2024. Rule sets previously issued separately as RES.6/E (pleasure yachts) and RES.23/E (commercial yachts) have been consolidated into six harmonised parts (A-F). This is the most significant reorganisation of RINA's yacht rule framework in recent years.