Question 1

What is the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code, and which two previous codes did it replace when it came into force on 1 January 2019?

Accepted Answer

A single combined code replacing the Large Yacht Code (LY3) and the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC), now issued as MSN 1895 (M) with REG Part A and Part B respectively The REG Yacht Code consolidated two previously separate codes (LY3 for large yachts generally, PYC for those carrying fare-paying passengers) into one document with two parts, simplifying the regulatory landscape while preserving the distinct requirements each previously covered.

Question 2

To which vessels does REG Yacht Code Part A apply?

Accepted Answer

Yachts of 24 metres load line length and over, in commercial use for sport or pleasure, that do not carry cargo and carry no more than 12 passengers The 24m length threshold, sport-or-pleasure commercial use, no-cargo, and 12-passenger limits together define the specific category of vessel REG Part A is written for — a yacht falling outside any of these criteria needs a different regulatory pathway (e.g. REG Part B for higher passenger numbers, or the Small Commercial Vessel Code / Sport and Pleasure Vessel Code for vessels under 24m).

Question 3

What additional requirements does REG Yacht Code Part B (the former Passenger Yacht Code) impose, beyond Part A, and why?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced passenger safety provisions — covering muster/safety briefing standards, life-saving appliance scaling, and crew responsibilities specific to carrying fare-paying passengers — because a vessel carrying paying passengers who are not part of the crew or owner's party introduces a duty of care closer to a passenger ship than a private yacht A charter yacht carrying paying guests has a meaningfully different risk and responsibility profile than a private yacht carrying only the owner's party and crew — guests have not chosen their crew, may have no maritime experience, and the operator has a commercial duty of care, which is why Part B layers passenger-specific safety requirements on top of the Part A baseline.

Yacht — REG Code Fundamentals Practice Questions