Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) was created on the 1st April 1998 after the merger of the former Marine Safety and Coastguard Agencies.

The Agency of the UK Government in their plans therefore need to be flexible enough to take account of changing Ministerial and Departmental priorities and evolving maritime policy. The Government's maritime strategy is to enhance the safety of UK ships and fishing vessels and the working conditions on board, and to eliminate substandard ships from UK waters. This policy is set out in the Transport White Paper (CM 3950) and is based on a long-term vision of the importance of UK shipping to the nation.

It is core strategy of the MCA to ensure an enhanced safety record for the Red Ensign Fleet. The Red Ensign fleet consists of vessels registered in the UK and other British vessels registered in Crown Dependencies, UK Overseas Territory shipping registers, principal of which are the Isle of Man, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Gibraltar.

Vessels operating commercially under the British Flag (Red Ensign) or in British waters must comply with the Merchant Shipping Regulations or an MCA Code of Practice.

The MCA has developed Codes of Practice for small vessels up to 24 meters and one for vessels in excess of 24 meters.

Vessels up to 24 Meters

Yellow: For the Safety of Small Commercial Motor Vessels
Blue: For the Safety of Small Commercial Sailing Vessels
Brown: For the Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats
Red: For the Safety of Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure operating from a Nominated Departure Point

Vessels over 24 Meters

White: For the Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Boats (Megayachts/Superyachts).