9. Keeping a Safe Navigational Watch
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - MGN 280 - Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats - Alternative Construction Standards - Annex 3 - The Manning of Small Vessels - General - 9. Keeping a Safe Navigational Watch

9. Keeping a Safe Navigational Watch

 It is the responsibility of the skipper to ensure that there is, at all times, a person with adequate experience in charge of the navigational watch. In taking this decision the skipper should take into account all the factors affecting the safety of the vessel, including:-

  • .1 the present and forecast state of the weather, visibility and sea;

  • .2 the proximity of navigational hazards;

  • .3 the density of traffic in the area.

Table 1. Deck Manning Requirements Small Vessels in Commercial Use

  CATEGORY   6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Skippers
qualification
acceptable
for
given
category 		Certificate of Competency -Yachtmaster Ocean (MCA Accepted ) Note A
Certificate of Competency or Service - Yachtmaster Offshore (MCA Accepted ) Note A  





MCA Boatmasters Licence Grade 1,2 & Modified Grade 3 		Note A
Note B 		 
RYA/DfT Certificate of Competency or Service - Coastal Skipper Note A    
RYA/DfT Advanced Powerboat Certificate 2 years relevant experience    
12 months relevant experience          
Certificate of competence for appropriate area issued by Competent Authority Note A
Note C 		   
RYA/DfT Day Skipper Theory & Practical Certificate Note A
12 months relevant experience 		       
Local Authority Licence for appropriate area Note A
Note D 		         
RYA/DfT Day Skipper Practical Certificate Note A          
RYA/DfT Powerboat Level 2 Certificate 12 months relevant experience          
Additional
requirements 		Unless operating in the single-handed mode in accordance with Paragraph 7 of this Annex, a second person capable of assisting the Skipper in an emergency should also be on board        
There should also be on board a second person deemed by the skipper to be experienced.              
There should also be on board a second person holding at least an RYA/DfT Certificate of Competency or Service as Coastal Skipper.              
There should also be on board another person holding at least an RYA/DfT Certificate of Competency as either Yachtmaster Ocean or Yachtmaster Offshore.              

Note 1 Qualifications differing from those tabled, but of equal standing or specialist application will be considered.

Note 2 Vessels regularly engaged on near coastal voyages from ports outside the UK, have to abide by the manning requirements of the Administration regulating that coastal area.

Note 3 Refer section 2.2.1 - RYA/DfT certificates of competency and/or service, and other MCA recognised Yachtmaster certificates, should carry the endorsement - "valid for vessels of up to 24 metres in length used for commercial purposes".

Note A Certificate should be designated motor or sail as appropriate.

Note B Existing MCA Boatmasters Licence Grade 3 is only acceptable if it has been validated for the specific area in the license prior to this Code coming into force. All Boatmasters licence holders (1, 2, and modified 3) are subject to the area limitations as defined on the certificate.

Note C Competent Authority in respect of manning requirements means either the Maritime and Coastguard Agency or an organisation that issues Certificates of Competence which has been applied for and granted recognition by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as having the appropriate technical and administrative expertise.

Note D Local Authority Licence - only those Local Authorities that have the approval of the MCA may issue Licences under this Code.

Table 2. Engineering Manning Requirements Small Vessels in Commercial Use

  CATEGORY 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Engineering
requirements 		RYA Diesel Engine Course or satisfied the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as to their appropriate engineering experience and competency           Sail Vessel Sail Vessel
Approved Engine Course or satisfied the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as to their appropriate engineering experience and competency         Power Vessel
W 		Power Vessel
SL 		Power Vessel
SL
Marine Engine Operators Licence (MN) (Y)           Power Vessel
W 		Power Vessel
W
<1500 kW
Senior Marine Engine Operators Licence, STCW C/Eng (Y4)             Power Vessel
W
>=1500 kW
< 3000 kW

Note 1 Qualifications differing from those tabled, but of equal standing or specialist application will be considered.

Note 2 The person holding the engineering requirement may be a crew member listed in Table 1.

Note 3 In all cases, one of the crew should be sufficiently familiar with the operation and maintenance of the vessel's machinery to ensure safe passage.

Note 4 Power Vessel W is a Power Vessel employed in towing operations, lifting operations or carriage of cargo greater than 1000 kg.

Note 5 Power Vessel SL is a Power Vessel other than Power Vessel designated by Power Vessel W.

Parent topic: General
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