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In July 2024, Red Ensign Group’s Updated Yacht Code Takes Effect

The Red Ensign Group (REG), a group of British Shipping Registers, has unveiled an updated version of its flagship Yacht Code, a comprehensive framework setting safety and design standards in the yachting industry. This major revision, the first since 2019, draws on nearly three decades of regulatory experience since the initial 1997 publication.

It will not come into force until July 2024. Read on for more.

What The Update Entails

Developed over two years with input from the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group, the update incorporates substantial changes to align with recent International Maritime Organisation (IMO) amendments and accommodate evolving trends in yacht design. To ensure consistent application and fairness, the revision clarifies areas previously open to interpretation. Though the updated document is available, it won’t take full effect until July 2024, allowing the industry time to adapt.

Commitment To Safety & Innovation

A Red Ensign Group spokesperson emphasised the Code’s dual focus on safety and innovation, stating:

“We will never compromise on safety and crew welfare and maintain the highest maritime regulatory  standards. However, we do recognise that it’s important to support innovation and technological developments in a rapidly changing industry.”

This commitment to both safety and innovation underscores REG’s dedication to a thriving and responsible superyacht sector, prioritising seafarers’ well-being and upholding the highest maritime safety standards. The updated Yacht Code stands as a testament to REG’s commitment to ensuring the ongoing success of the global yachting industry.

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By SuperyachtNews 03 Jan 2024

REG publishes revised Yacht Code

Released on 1 january, this revision from the red ensign group represents the first major update since 2019….

The Red Ensign Group (REG) has announced a significant revision to its hallmark Yacht Code, a comprehensive framework that has helped set the benchmark for yacht safety and design standards since 1997. Originally developed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the REG Yacht Code has been instrumental in guiding the design, construction and operation of large yachts.

According to REG, the latest iteration of the Code has been two years in the making, developed in close collaboration with the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group. This consortium, including shipyards, designers, management companies and regulatory authorities, has played a critical role in ensuring the revised Code meets the industry’s broad spectrum of needs.

Central to the new revision is the incorporation of recent regulatory amendments by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the adaptation to contemporary trends and innovations in yacht design.

Despite the Code’s publication, it will not be enforceable until July 2024. REG has stressed that a notable aspect of the revised Code is its clarity and consistency, with previous versions leaving some areas open to interpretation. The latest revision aims to rectify this, ensuring a uniform application across the industry.

A spokesperson for the Red Ensign Group emphasised the dual focus of the Code: “The REG Yacht Code is the international standard for the design, construction and operation of these vessels. We will never compromise on safety and crew welfare and maintain the highest maritime regulatory standards. However, we do recognise that it’s important to support innovation and technological developments in a rapidly changing industry.”

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Australian regulation of yachts and training vessels, and the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A

The Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A has been developed jointly by the United Kingdom, its relevant overseas territories and crown dependencies, and international industry representatives. The Code prescribes standards of safety and pollution prevention which are appropriate to the size and type of yacht. The standards applied are either set by the relevant International Conventions or by equivalent standards where it is not reasonable or practicable for yachts to comply. 

Australia is a corresponding member of the Red Ensign Group.

Marine Order 52 does not apply to domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) or recreational vessels.

Australian implementation of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A

AMSA implements the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A using Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2022 supported by the  Australian National Annex to the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A PDF 477.52 KB  which was introduced on 1 January 2023.

New yachts and training vessels

Vessels built after 1 January 2023 must comply with Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2022 .

Yachts, including large yachts, and training vessels will still have to comply with all international conventions not altered by the marine order, related to that vessel’s size and operations.

Existing Australian yachts and training vessels certified under the Navigation Act (2012)

Currently certified under:

• Marine Order 31 (Vessel survey and certification)
• Marine Order 52 (Sailing ships) 
• Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2016 .

Any ship, whenever built, which is converted to a yacht or training vessel, or undergoes repairs, alterations and modifications which substantially alter the dimensions of the ship, or substantially increase the ship’s service life, shall be treated as a new vessel constructed on the date on which such conversion, repairs, alterations or modifications commenced. 

Vessels seeking Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A certification

Vessels that are not built after 1 January 2023 nor currently certified under Marine Order 31 (Vessel survey and certification) , Marine Order 52 (Sailing ships) PDF 441.12 KB or Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2016 can apply to have their vessel certified under the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A. Operators will need to arrange a gap analysis with a recognised organisation to find out what may be required to achieve compliance.

If the vessel does not comply due to its construction or existing arrangements, AMSA may determine if an equivalent solution will be acceptable, so the vessel can then be considered compliant under the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A. Owners should liaise with their respective recognised organisation when considering a potential application for compliance.

Yachts and training vessels must still comply with the other international conventions, as relevant to the vessel’s size and operations. However the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A and the LY3 Code may be used as an equivalence arrangement under the provisions of Article 8 of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, Regulation I-5 of the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, and Article 9 of the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 as amended. Australia has notified the IMO of the above. 

How does Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2022 apply to foreign yachts?

If your foreign flagged yacht, including large yacht, or training vessel arrives at an Australian port, it may – if eligible – be inspected. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to make sure that the yacht/large yacht/training vessel is appropriately surveyed, certified and maintained. Australia has requirements for commercial vessels as required by AMSA’s marine orders.

When you are inspected, the yacht/large yacht/training vessel must follow one of the following:

• comply with all the international conventions that apply to a foreign flagged vessel of its size and operations.
• have evidence issued by the flag state saying that the vessel is seaworthy if an international convention does not apply to the vessel because of its size.
• be certified as a large yacht under the LY3 code, Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A or another contemporary code adopted by the flag State.
• if the vessel does not carry evidence issued by the flag State of certification as a commercially operating large yacht, the LY3 Code or the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A will be applied in order to assess compliance of the vessel.
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• Domestic seafarer or crew
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To uphold and enhance the reputation of the Red Ensign by collectively promoting a large and diverse fleet without compromising quality.

Our strategy

We will ensure the successful development of the British fleet by promoting the Red Ensign brand using the strengths of the partnership to our advantage.

At current fleet levels across the group, the combined British Red Ensign fleet is 9th largest in the world.

Red Ensign Group Yacht Code - Part B | Marine training course

Learn the construction and operational standards of reg b.

Red Ensign Group Yacht Code (REG Code) was implemented to replace two codes: Part A to Large Yacht Code 3 (LY3) & Part B to Passenger Yacht Code (PYC). 

REG B includes requirements to be met by passenger yachts carrying between 12 and 36 passengers on international voyages, with respect to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 1974). 

Enroll in this course and learn the design criteria, construction standards and other safety measures for pleasure yachts to which this Code apply.

Our team remains available to provide you with any further information you may need. Contact us by writing to [email protected] .

Duration and price

Online course

Duration:  2 days

Price: EUR 600,00 (plus VAT, if applicable)

Physical classroom at Greece's facilities

Price:  EUR 650 (plus VAT, if applicable)

Course objectives

Content summary.

• Introduction to the RedEnsign Group
• Application to the code Part B
• Load Line Convention
• Construction requirements for yachts up to 36 passengers
• Stability requirements & damage stability
• Fire protection, detection and extinction
• Life saving appliances and means of escape
• Radiocommunication, safety of navigation
• Accommodation and recreational facilities requirements
• Requirements for sailing vessels
• Protection of personnel
• Manning, Certification and Hours of Work
• Surveys & Certification

Target audience

- Shore personnel of maritime companies managing yachts

- Crew of yachts

Certificate

Request further information, explore the global marine training calendar courses, download the full marine training portfolio.