Question 1

A yacht is built and certified under the 2019 edition of the REG Yacht Code. The Code is updated with a new 2024 edition. What is the general principle governing whether the existing yacht must comply with the new edition?

Accepted Answer

Flag-state codes generally apply a degree of "grandfathering" — existing certified vessels are not automatically required to retrofit to every new edition's requirements, though certain safety-critical changes may be applied retroactively at the flag state's discretion; new-build and newly-certified vessels must meet the current edition This is a general principle across most flag-state and IMO regulatory frameworks, not unique to yachts — grandfathering avoids imposing potentially impractical or extremely costly retrofits on existing vessels while still ensuring genuinely safety-critical changes can be mandated where the flag state judges it necessary.

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).