Guidance

MGN 645 (M) Amendment 1 load line length – policy clarification: hull form cut-outs, extensions and steps

This MGN outlines best practice for design, equipment and outfit of dedicated onboard spaces, improving safety for handling, charging and stowage of Li-ion batteries.

Documents

Details

This notice should be read with: The Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998, The Merchant Shipping (Load Line) (Amendment) Regulations 2000, The Workboat Code Edition 2 Amendment 1 (2019), MGN 280(M): Small vessels in Commercial use for sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – alternative construction standards, MGN 527(M) Tonnage of Multihulls Under 24m Load Line Length, Large Commercial Yacht Code (1997), Large Commercial Yacht Code (2) (2004), Large Commercial Yacht Code (3) (2012), Red Ensign Group Yacht Code 2019, Recreational Craft Regulations 2017, The Small Seagoing Passenger Ship Code (SSPS Code) 2015 (as amended).

Notice to all Owners:

  • Builders of Small Commercial Vessels (SCVs)
  • Owners and Builders of Large Yachts
  • Shipowners
  • Designers
  • Masters
  • Assigning Authorities
  • Surveyors

Further clarification is provided on the calculation of load line length for large yachts.

Updates to this page

Published 10 April 2026

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