Question 1

What does the REG Yacht Code's common annex on "overside working systems" cover, and why is this particularly relevant to yacht operations compared with merchant ships?

Accepted Answer

Requirements for systems such as swim platforms, boarding ladders, and tender/toy launching arrangements that are deployed overside — relevant because yachts make far more frequent and routine use of these systems for guest water activities than most merchant vessels Swim platforms, boarding ladders, and tender garages/launching systems are used constantly during yacht charter operations for guest activities (swimming, watersports, tender transfers) in a way that has no real equivalent on most merchant vessels, which is exactly why the Code addresses this as a dedicated common annex rather than leaving it to generic deck equipment provisions.

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).