A new revision of the gold standard Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, set to come into force in July 2024, has been published, which intends to provide guidance on the best practice to facilitate safe solutions for commercially operated yachts over 24 metres (78 feet) in load-line length.
The new revision represents all the expertise gained across almost three decades of regulating the large yacht sector since the first version was published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 1997.
A spokesperson for Red Ensign Group said, “The Red Ensign Group 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.”
This is the first significant revision since 2019 and has been developed over a period of two years in close consultation with the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group, which consists of a wide-ranging number of stakeholders including shipyards, designers, management companies, and regulatory authorities.
Substantive changes have been made to reflect the relevant regulatory amendments that have been published in recent years by the IMO and to accommodate current trends and innovation in yacht design.
The new revision of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code includes guidance on battery systems, over-side working systems, emergency training, installation of fire appliances, petrol storage, and more.
Significant amendments to the existing text have also been made to provide additional clarification to those areas of the Code which have previously been open to interpretation, to ensure its consistent application and to set a level playing field for the industry.
Although the Code will not come into force until July 2024 to give the industry time to become familiar with it and comply, it has already been published.
Download the code: Red Ensign Group Yacht Code
