Form

Apply for equivalence, exemption, alternative design and arrangement (ADA) or MLC exemption from statutory requirements

MSF 1261 to submit a request for an MCA assessment.

• From: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Published: 15 January 2024
• Last updated: 30 July 2026 — See all updates

Documents

Apply for equivalence, exemption, alternative design and arrangement (ADA) or MLC exemption from statutory requirements

MS Word Document, 111 KB

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Details

Submitting your application

The MSF 1261 application form is for owners and operators to request an assessment for equivalence, exemption, or alternative design and arrangement (ADA) from statutory requirements.

Our preferred way for you to send your completed MSF 1261 to us is by email to the appropriate contact as per the Guidance Notes in the form.

Make a payment

Assessments of MSF 1261 applications are carried out in Headquarters and not in the local Marine Office; they require payment to be made to different account details as stated below.

Our preferred payment method for all equivalence, exemption or ADA applications is by credit or debit card via the GOV.UK Pay online payment facility, using the following GOV.UK Pay link:

https://products.payments.service.gov.uk/pay/012aaf85954744c39621d4fa8efcc7c0

Please note that you may also need to complete the general application for survey and inspection of ships and fishing vessels (MSF 5100).

Published 15 January 2024

Last updated 30 July 2026 — Show all updates

1. 30 July 2026

   MSF 1261 Version 7 uploaded to replace MSF 1261 Version 6

2. 14 January 2025

   Updated MSF 1261 Version 5 to MSF 1261 Version 6

3. 15 January 2024

   First published.