Question 1

A relatively junior deck officer aboard a large yacht notices what they believe is an unsafe practice being carried out by a senior, very experienced crew member, but hesitates to speak up given the seniority gap. What does good safety culture, as promoted across modern maritime training (BRM/CRM principles), require in this situation?

Accepted Answer

The junior officer should raise the concern through the appropriate channel — the authority gradient between ranks should not be allowed to silence a genuine safety concern; an open culture where anyone can challenge an unsafe practice regardless of rank is a core modern safety principle, not just a slogan Authority gradient is one of the most consistently cited human factors in maritime accident investigations — a culture where rank silences legitimate safety challenge is a recognised systemic risk, and modern Bridge/Crew Resource Management training exists specifically to counter this tendency, regardless of how experienced the senior person is.

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).