Guidance

MIN 697 (F) Amendment No.1 Arrangements for the Plan Approval, Construction and Outfit and Certification of New Build Fishing Vessels

Updated 22 November 2023

Summary

This Note provides information for the Plan Approval, Construction and Outfit and Certification of New build fishing vessels. From 30 October 2023, authorised Fishing Vessel Certifying Authorities (FVCAs) and their authorisations, can be found at Fishing vessel certifying authorities.

1 Introduction

1. New fishing vessels of less than 15m Length Overall (LOA) and registering as a fishing vessel for the first time must be constructed to a recognised standard covering hull, machinery, electrical, and control systems. This may be either:

   • The approved Construction and Outfit Standards of a Certifying Authority for Fishing Vessels; or

   • an equivalent standard recognised by the MCA as suitable for Fishing Vessels, such as those of a Recognised Organisation. Details of Recognised Organisations can be found in MGN322 – Ship Survey Standards.

2 Fishing Vessel Certifying Authorities

2.1 On 20 July 2020, the MCA took back plan approval for all vessels of less than 15m LOA and supervision of all surveys of new build fishing vessels from Seafish Industry Authority.

2.2 Organisations can be authorised by MCA as FVCAs to conduct plan approvals and to conduct survey work on new build fishing vessels against the requirements of MGN628 (F) Construction and Outfit Standards for Fishing Vessels of Less than 15m LOA.

2.3 A list of the currently authorised FVCAs and their level of authorisation can be found at Fishing vessel certifying authorities - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

3 Plan Approval Process

3.1 If you intend to build a vessel of less than 15m LOA you should contact one of the appropriately authorised FVCAs. You should also submit a Notice of Intent to Build (MSF1356) to your local Marine Office. Contact details of local Marine Offices can be found here Office access and opening times - Maritime and Coastguard Agency

4 Requirements for Registration

4.1 On first registration of a vessel, the owner must demonstrate the Vessel has been constructed to a recognised standard. The Certificates required to demonstrate compliance with MGN628 are set out in Chapter 4 of MSIS27 Chapter 1 Annex 24 and will also be set out in MGN628 Amendment 1 Part 1, when published.

5 Gaining Approval to be a Fishing Vessel Certifying Authority.

5.1 Organisations seeking authorisation by the MCA to undertake fishing vessel survey, certification, new build construction and plan approval for vessels under 15m LOA will require to be an authorised FVCA conducting work under an existing MCA/FVCA Agreement.

5.2 Organisations seeking initial authorisation by the MCA and consideration for extended authorisation should email ExternalMonitoring@mcga.gov.uk

5.3 Organisations wishing to apply are advised to read the following documents:

• MGN 628 (M+F) Construction and outfit standards for fishing vessels of less than 15m length overall

• MGN 629 (M_F) Construction and Outfit Standards for fishing vessels of 15m Length overall to less than 24m Registered Length

• MGN 630 Fishing vessels: Pre-Registration surveys for Fishing vessels of less than 15m Length Overall build before 16 July 2007 and existing vessels of 15m Length overall to less than 24m Registered Lenth wishing to join the UK Register; and

• MSIS27 Chapter 1 Annex 24

More information

Technical Services Ship Standards Branch
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/23
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0)203 81 72000

Email: fishing@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.