Published on: 03 March 2021
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) released an open consultation on 24 February 2021 seeking the views of industry on a Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) which clarifies the UK policy when determining load line length on vessel hullforms featuring cut-outs, removable end sections, and bathing platforms.
The MCA has become aware of vessels with cut-outs which are being used as a means of avoiding regulations in relation to the 24m rule. The cut-out arrangement can lead to undesirable hydrodynamic characteristics and safety issues which potentially make the vessel unsafe.
Therefore, the MCA would like to seek feedback from the public, builders of small commercial vessels, designers, Certifying Authorities and surveyors on some recent clarifications which address how to determine Load Line Length in respect of design, measurement practices and the circumstances in which certain measurements will be applied.
The consultation document has six different sections to go through:
1. Overview of this consultation
2. Areas of consideration
3. Responding to this consultation document
4. Plans beyond this consultation
5. Response form
6. Conduct of this consultation
The MCA are particularly looking for responses which have looked at the policy clarification in relation to bathing platforms and fixed ‘seafaring’ cut-outs.
The consultation and all other supporting documents can be found here.
This consultation closes at 5pm on 24 March 2021.
Please send responses directly to the MCA through James Hartley at james.hartley-binns@mcga.gov.uk or send your responses to British Marine at technical@britishmarine.co.uk. If you respond directly to the MCA, we ask that you copy Ed Tuite in your email, using etuite@britishmarine.co.uk.