The background to this consultation is that some years ago the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) began to experience difficulties in recruiting and retaining surveyors in a highly competitive market place. This trend has accelerated recently and has now reached the point where the MCA is no longer able to fulfil all of its statutory functions and obligations. Following completion of a review, which started in 2011, changes have been recommended, resulting in the suggested new operating model upon which they are now consulting.
In order to focus on the modernisation of the MCA survey and inspection functions in a way that most effectively supports their customers, the MCA welcomes contributions to the consultation process, which will run until midday on Thursday 21 April 2016.