Question 1

What is the practical significance of the REG Yacht Code's "Common Annexes" (e.g. covering overside working systems, sailing vessels, helicopter landing areas)?

Accepted Answer

They provide standardised technical/operational requirements that apply across both Part A and Part B where relevant, avoiding duplicated or inconsistent requirements between the two parts for shared topics that are not specific to passenger carriage Topics like overside working systems (e.g. swim platforms, tenders), sailing vessel rigging, or helicopter landing areas are not unique to either passenger or non-passenger yachts, so the Code addresses them once in shared annexes rather than duplicating (and risking inconsistent) requirements in both Part A and Part B separately.

Question 2

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 3

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).