Question 1

What is the purpose of a damage stability / subdivision standard for larger yachts under the REG Yacht Code, similar in principle to SOLAS damage stability requirements for merchant ships?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the vessel retains sufficient residual stability and buoyancy to remain afloat (and ideally upright) following flooding of one or more compartments, rather than capsizing or sinking immediately after a single hull breach The underlying engineering principle — survivability after a hull breach through watertight subdivision — applies regardless of vessel type; a larger yacht represents a significant investment and carries crew/guests whose safety depends on the vessel not going from "damaged" to "lost" in a short space of time, so subdivision standards apply at a scale appropriate to the vessel.

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).