Workboat Code Edition 3 training

IIMS is pleased to announce a day’s Workboat Code Edition 3 online training on Wednesday 7 May 2025 to be led by Certifying Authority Chair, Fraser Noble, and Committee Member, Steve Moffat. The training is open to all regardless of their affiliations.

Background

Workboat Code Edition 3 (WB3) came into force on 13 December 2023 and applied immediately to vessels newly built or first coded after that date. It applies retrospectively to workboats coded under the 1998 Workboat (Brown) Code or MGN280. Those existing vessels have either 3 years from 13 December 2023, or until their first 5-Year renewal after that date, whichever is the later, to comply.

WB3 has brought major changes from previous Codes, including requirements for vessel operators to have a documented Safety Management System, conduct specific Risk Assessments, undertake regular Safety Drills and carry out extensive Crew Training. Certifying Authorities and surveyors should expect to audit Safety Management Systems, check Risk Assessments, witness Safety Drills or check Drill Records and see Evidence of Training.

The MCA has, for the first time, issued an SWB2 Record of Compliance and Declarations Form to be used by all Certifying Authorities; and it is quite different to most Certifying Authorities’ current forms.

The consultation on the proposed new Sport & Pleasure Code closed recently and this new code is expected to come into effect later this year. It is likely that the new code will impose similar requirements for Safety Management Systems, Drills, Risk Assessments and Operator Training.

Who should attend?

• Coding examiners of workboats
• Coding examiners of sport and pleasure vessels
• Vessel owners/operators
• General marine surveyors

The day’s training will be split into two different parts.

Part 1 will look at and discuss the required changes for the vessel, including structure, stability, gear and equipment. This session is aimed specifically at those directly involved with Workboat Code Edition 3.

PART 2 will assess in detail the changes for the vessel operating, surveyor/coding examiner. It will cover Safety Management Systems, Risk Assessments, Safety Drills and Operator Training. This session will be of interest to Surveyors/Code Examiners who code all vessels and to operators as well.

2a) Operators to have a documented Safety Management System
– Introduction to the International Safety Management System (ISM).
– Main Content of the SMS for a Workboat Code Edition 3 Vessel.
– What a Surveyor/Coding Examiner should expect to check in a Safety Management System.

2b) Risk Assessments Operators must undertake
– Risk Assessments required for all vessels.
– Additional Risk Assessments for specific vessel operations.
– What a Surveyor/Coding Examiner should expect to check for in a Risk Assessment.

2c) Safety Drills to be undertaken by the operator
– What drills are now required and what should a Surveyor/Coding Examiner witness or inspect?
– What should a Surveyor/Coding Examiner expect to witness or see records of?

2d) Operator Training Requirements
– MCA approved mandatory training courses.
– Onboard task training.
– Additional training for specific vessel operations.

Cost of the day’s training

Part 1 only is priced at £70 (no VAT).

Part 2 only is priced at £70 (no VAT).

Or attend both Parts 1 and 2 for £125 (no VAT).

The day’s content will be recorded via Zoom and the video will be available to all attendees after the event and is included in the cost of the training.