News and communications

Boat-owner’s challenges 'relentless' – Environment Agency.

• Updated: 22 April 2024

Shipping regulations are being strengthened by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to defend against fraud and enhance safety at sea.

• Updated: 2 April 2024

The key health and safety handbook for seafarers has been given a makeover, making it “more accessible and easy to use”.

• Updated: 28 March 2024

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency launches 6-week consultation on new merchant shipping regulations.

• Updated: 18 January 2024

SOLAS convention amendments to improve the safety of merchant ships and life at sea will automatically take effect in the UK.

• Updated: 18 January 2024

Cranston Inquiry to look into the events of 24 November 2021, when at least 27 people lost their lives crossing the Channel.

• Updated: 11 January 2024

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency launches 'Leading for safety' – a comprehensive guide to help leaders promote a safety culture on board.

• Updated: 2 January 2024

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first broadcast of the Shipping Forecast.

• Updated: 1 January 2024

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency brings The Workboat Code Edition 3 into force.

• Updated: 13 December 2023

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has launched a new app to help seafarers get the information and support they need while working.

• Updated: 14 November 2023

Amendments concerning damage stability in cargo ships, load line protocol and prevention of pollution by noxious liquid substances carried in bulk.

• Updated: 26 October 2023

MCA approval letter

• Updated: 22 September 2023

Consultation launched into UK regulations from international maritime law.

• Updated: 15 September 2023

The fishing industry is being reminded that changes to some types of vessels must be signed off for safety reasons because of the serious risk they will become unstable as a result.

• Updated: 4 September 2023

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has announced that there are no plans to alter a requirement for marine equipment going on board UK vessels to be UK approved.

• Updated: 1 August 2023

Svitzer Marine Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to operate a vessel safely and failing to provide a safe system of work.

• Updated: 20 February 2023

By the end of November 2023, anyone working on a UK fishing vessel must have a certificate of medical fitness.

• Updated: 30 January 2023

New legislation will grant more powers to prosecute people for the dangerous misuse of watercraft, such as jet skis.

• Updated: 18 January 2023

New rules which will bring the safety of older passenger ships in line with modern standards fit for the 21st century are now in force for the UK.

• Updated: 9 January 2023

Provides details of draft regulations to remove duplication of inspection regimes for ro-ro passenger ships and high-speed passenger craft in regular service.

• Updated: 5 December 2022