UK issues MIN 698 Amendment 1 (M) – Workboat Code 3

Eda Zenic -

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency published MIN 698 Amendment 1 (M) which serves as a supplement to The Workboat Code Edition 3, providing a summary of the standards and guidelines considered best practice for small workboats and pilot boats certified under this edition of the Code. It is important to note that this notice is not exhaustive and should be viewed as guidance only.

Purpose and Audience:

The primary purpose of this MIN is to offer additional information on the standards and guidelines for small workboats, pilot boats, and other related vessels, including remotely operated unmanned vessels. The target audience for this notice includes:

  • Designers
  • Builders
  • Owners
  • Operators
  • Employers
  • Crews
  • Masters of small workboats and pilot boats
  • Certifying Authorities

It is intended that all those involved with the design, construction, operation, and certification of these vessels refer to the Workboat Code Edition 3, which this notice supplements. The notice also provides updates on the latest standards relevant to these vessels.

Validity:

This Marine Information Notice is effective until 31 December 2025, after which it may be revised or replaced.

Background Information:

The Workboat Code Edition 3, which came into force on 13 December 2023, replaces previous versions and documents:

  1. The Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats – A Code of Practice Edition 1 (often referred to as the "Brown Code").
  2. MGN 280 – A guide for small vessels used for commercial purposes, including workboats and pilot boats.
  3. The Workboat Code Edition 2, as amended.

The updated Code provides updated safety standards and practices for small workboats and pilot boats, ensuring that these vessels meet modern safety and operational requirements.

Standards and Guidelines:

The Marine Information Notice summarizes the current standards and best practices for vessels certified under The Workboat Code Edition 3. The standards mentioned are the most up-to-date versions at the time of publication of this MIN. However, if a particular standard or guideline referenced in the Code is outdated, it remains the responsibility of the vessel owner or operator to ensure that the latest version is applied.

Furthermore, in certain cases, equivalent standards may be acceptable as long as they are approved by the relevant authorities, typically referred to as "the Administration." This means that while the Code provides specific standards, alternative solutions may be allowed if they meet the necessary safety requirements.

Guidance Nature:

It is emphasized that this MIN is a supplementary document and does not replace or exhaustively detail all requirements within The Workboat Code Edition 3. Vessel owners, operators, and other stakeholders are advised to refer to the Code itself for comprehensive guidance and regulatory requirements. The intention of the MIN is to provide additional clarity on standards and guidelines, but it is not a substitute for the Code's full set of rules.

All regulations can be found at legislation.gov.uk