Open consultation

Amending legislation ensuring watercraft accidents are investigated by MAIB

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 3 February 2026

Summary

Seeks views on amending legislation to ensure accidents involving watercraft are investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 3 March 2026

Consultation description

Invites comment on amending the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023. The order is being amended to:

• ensure accidents involving watercraft (any recreational vessel with a motor installed such as a personal watercraft) can be investigated by the MAIB
• correct minor drafting defects within the order

Documents

Draft Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) (Amendment) Order

HTML

Draft: The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) (Amendment) Order 2026

PDF, 98.9 KB, 3 pages

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Ways to respond

Respond online

or

Email to:

maritimesafety@dft.gov.uk

Write to:

Maritime Safety Team
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR

Published 3 February 2026