All UK vessels in commercial use, up to 24 metres load line length, which go to sea and carry no more than 12 passengers and/or cargo, are required by law to comply with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat Code of Practice and be issued with Certificates by an authorised Certifying Authority. The Code covers:
- Sailing charter vessels, both skippered and bareboat
- Motor charter vessels including angling and dive boats
- Motor vessels carrying up to 12 passengers
- RIBs operating commercially
- Workboats
- Pilot boats

The Code text is available in the download section of this website.