Question 1

How does watchkeeping organisation on a typical large yacht commonly differ in practice from a merchant cargo vessel, while still needing to meet STCW watchkeeping standards?

Accepted Answer

Yacht crews are often smaller relative to vessel size and may combine roles (e.g. deck officers also holding other operational duties), but the underlying STCW principles — adequate rest hours, a properly handed-over watch, and a competent person always in charge of navigation — still apply in full, just organised to suit a smaller complement A smaller crew complement is an operational reality of yacht life, not an exemption from STCW's underlying safety principles — rest hours, competent watch handover, and continuous bridge competence must still be achieved, which can require more careful rostering and role design on a smaller crew than on a large merchant vessel with dedicated watch officers.

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).