red ensign large yacht code

Red Ensign Group Yacht Code - Part A | Marine training course

Learn the construction, safety and operational standards of reg a.

Red Ensign Group Yacht Code (REG Code) was implemented to replace two codes: Part A to Large Yacht Code 3 (LY3) & Part B to Passenger Yacht Code (PYC). 

REG A includes requirements for yachts that are 24 metres and over in load line length, are in commercial use for sport or pleasure, don’t carry cargo and don’t carry more than 12 passengers. 

Enroll in this course and learn the design criteria, construction standards and other safety measures for pleasure yachts to which this Code apply.

Our team remains available to provide you with any further information you may need. Contact us by writing to [email protected] .

Duration and price

Online course

Duration:  1 day

Price: EUR 300 (plus VAT, if applicable)

Physical classroom at Greece's facilities

Duration:  1 day

Price:  EUR 330 (plus VAT, if applicable)

Course objectives

Content summary.

• Introduction to the RedEnsign Group
• Application to the code Part A
• Other applicable international conventions and national legislation
• Construction and stability requirements for pleasure yachts carrying up to 12 pax (24m and above)
• Weathertight integrity
• Machinery and electrical installations
• Structural fire protection
• Life saving appliances and means of escape
• Radio and navigation equipment
• Requirements for anchor and cables
• Accommodation and recreational facilities
• Protection of personnel
• Manning, Certification and Hours of Work
• Surveys & Certification

Target audience

- Shore personnel of maritime companies managing large commercial yachts

- Crew of large commercial yachts

Certificate

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Red Ensign Group Publish Latest Commercial Large Yacht Code

The  Red Ensign Group have today (1st January, 2024) released the latest version of their Large Yacht Code (known as “REG Code”) providing the framework for the construction and operation of commercially operated yachts over 24 metres in Load Line length.

The Red Ensign Group is the collective working party for the shipping registries comprising the British Register of Ships. This includes the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey) and eight UK Overseas Territories (including the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands).

Any vessel registered in the UK, a Crown Dependency or UK Overseas Territory, is a “British ship” and is entitled to fly the Red Ensign flag. The Red Ensign is the most popular international flag flown by large yachts due to its high level of quality, prestige and universal acceptability. It is estimated that around 80% of the world’s large yacht fleet flies the British flag.

The REG Code prescribes standards of safety determined by the relevant International Conventions or by equivalent standards where it is not reasonable or practicable for yachts to comply. The REG Code is therefore an equivalence under the provisions of Article 8 of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, Regulation I-5 of the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, and Article 9 of the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 as amended.

The development of the REG Code was based on the consideration that full compliance with the provisions of applicable International Conventions are often unreasonable and in some instances disproportionately onerous compared to the incremental increase in safety levels achieved for yachts which operate under very different conditions when compared to a typical commercial ship.

The REG Code further develops the well-established industry standards of the current codes and assimilate the lessons learned from many years of regulating the large yacht sector since the first version of the Large Yacht Code was published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in 1997.

Although the Code is being published today, it will not come into force until July 2024 to give the yachting industry time to familiarise themselves with its content.

A Red Ensign Group spokesperson said: “The REG Yacht Code is the international standard for the design, construction and operation of these vessels. We will never compromise on safety and crew welfare and maintain the highest maritime regulatory standards. However, we do recognise that it’s important to support innovation and technological developments in a rapidly changing industry.”

The new code represents the first significant revision since 2019 and has been developed over a period of two years in close consultation with the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group, which consists of a wide-ranging number of stakeholders including shipyards, designers, management companies and regulatory authorities. Substantive changes have been made to reflect the relevant regulatory amendments that have been published in recent years by the IMO and to accommodate current trends and innovation in yacht design. Significant amendments to the existing text have also been made to provide additional clarification to those areas of the Code which have previously been open to interpretation with a view to ensuring its consistent application and setting a level playing field for industry.

The REG Code is divided into two parts (A & B) with a set of common annexes. 

Part A is an updated version of the Large Yacht Code applicable to yachts which are 24 metres or over in load line length, in commercial use for sport or pleasure and don’t carry cargo or more than 12 passengers.

A copy of Part A of the code can be accessed through the following link:

Part A REG Red Ensign Group Yacht Code

Part B is an updated version of the Passenger Yacht Code applicable to pleasure yachts of any size, in private use or engaged in trade, which carry more than 12 but not more than 36 passengers and do not carry cargo.

A copy of Part B of the code can be accessed through the following link:

Part B REG Red Ensign Group Yacht Code

The annexes include sections for areas that are common to both Part A and Part B.

A copy of the annexes can be accessed through the following link:

Annexes REG Red Ensign Group Yacht Code

It should be remembered that the coding of a yacht used for charter is only one stage of the process and that advice should always be taken in respect of local legal and fiscal obligations prior to the commencement of any commercial activity.

Oceanskies in conjunction with class and flag state is able to provide a complete charter yacht registration package combining commercial British flag yacht registration under red ensign with coding certification and the employment of crew through Oceanskies Crew Limited in a Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) environment.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

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Information regarding the Red Ensign Yacht Code

Collaboration between members of the Red Ensign Group (REG), which includes the UK, and the industry as a whole has led to the creation of a new yacht code.

The REG Yacht Code, which was launched on 13 November 2017 at the Global Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam, has taken into account all the expertise gained across almost two decades of regulating the large yacht sector since the Code of Practice for the Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels, or LY1, was published by us in 1997.

In its new format, the Code is made up of two parts with common annexes - such as for over-side working systems, sailing vessels and helicoptor landing areas. It will keep the familiar format of the existing REG codes while being more dynamic to industry change and development.

The REG Code combines the existing Large Yacht Code version 3 and the Passenger Yacht Code into a single document and came into force on 1 January 2019. 

We have created a document and annex which highlight the implementation of the REG Yacht Code and the retrospective requirements.

Our previous CEO Sir Alan Massey stated "In the superyacht sector, the Red Ensign is the flag of choice and its yacht code is the international standard for yacht construction and operation. This has been an excellent example of how the Red Ensign Group works both together as a team and also with the wider industry to make sure we continue to be that. We maintain the highest maritime safety standards but also recognise that we must take into account a changing industry.

The REG Code is in two parts with common annexes.

• Part A relates to the Large Yacht Code.
• Part B relates to the Passenger Yacht Code.

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REG Yacht Codes

The Red Ensign Group (REG) has developed a new regulatory framework for yachts, titled ‘Red Ensign Group Yacht Code’. The code consolidates an updated version of the Large Yacht Code (LY3), and the latest version of the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC).

The Code’s aim is to further develop the well-established industry standards of LY3 & PYC, combining the lessons learned from the REG members from almost 20 years of regulating the large yacht sector since the first version of the Large Yacht Code was published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 1997.

Highlighted in the Code are the necessary steps required to adapt to the IMO’s new four yearly adoption and amendment cycle for its Conventions to which the Codes form equivalences (SOLAS, Load Line & STCW). This will make the REG Yacht Code more dynamic to industry change and development, whilst slowing the annual PYC editions to continue to meet the new international requirements for passenger ships.

The new Red Ensign Group Yacht Code is one of 2 parts with common annexes such as for over-side working systems & helicopter landing areas, enabling builders and designers to continue to recognise the familiar formats of the existing REG Codes. An updated version of LY3 in ‘Part A’ will continue to be applicable to yachts which are 24 metres and over in load line length, are in commercial use for sport or pleasure, do not carry cargo and do not carry more than 12 passengers. ‘Part B’ consist of the latest version of the PYC applicable to pleasure yachts of any size, in private use or engaged in trade, which carry more than 12 but not more than 36 passengers and which do not carry cargo.

The new Code makes larger use of industry best practice and international standards such as ISO, as well as following the IMO’s overarching remit for increased ‘Goal Based Standards’ as a form of regulations, allowing room for more flexibility and innovation in the design and construction of yachts.

The new REG Code came into force on 1st January 2019, to give the industry time to become familiar with it. The new Code also has what is known as a ‘retrospective application clause’. This means that there are sections within the Code that will be applied not just to new vessels, but to existing vessels also that are currently certificated under the existing Large Yacht Code or Passenger Yacht Code, from the first annual survey after 1st January 2019.

Since the entry into force of the REG Code, there have been two updates in the form of corrigenda.  These corrigenda were drafted following receipt of extensive industry feedback and a consultation process involving designers, shipyards, management companies and classification societies. The latest of these is Corrigenda No. 2, which was released on 31 st December 2020 and will enter into force (keel laid on or after) 1 st June 2021.

How Does It Affect You And Your Yacht?

We have created a handy guide to help take you through the application of the new Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, and how it affects you.  Download it here and learn how to get your yacht ready for the new changes coming into force in January 2019.

Download The Code

REG-YC January 2019 Edition – Part A (2 MB PDF)

REG-YC January 2019 Edition – Part B (3 MB PDF)

REG-YC January 2019 Edition – Common Annexes (1 MB PDF)

REG-YC January 2019 Edition – Corrigenda No.1 (521 KB PDF)

REG-YC December 2020 Edition – Corrigenda No.2 (455 KB PDF)

REG Safe Return To Port 2019 Edition (1,400 KB PDF)

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Red Ensign Group releases updated Yacht Code for 2024

11 January 2024

The Red Ensign Group (REG) has released an updated version of its flagship Yacht Code, a comprehensive framework that establishes the benchmark for safety and design standards in the yachting industry. The new revision, representing the collective expertise gained across nearly three decades of regulatory experience since its initial publication in 1997, marks the first major update since 2019.

Developed over a two-year period in close consultation with the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group, a broad-based forum encompassing shipyards, designers, management companies, and regulatory authorities, the revised Code incorporates substantial changes to reflect recent amendments issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and accommodate current trends and innovation in yacht design.

To ensure consistent application and a level playing field across the industry, the revision provides further clarification to areas of the Code that were previously open to interpretation. While the updated document is now available, it will not come into full force until July 2024, allowing the industry ample time to familiarise itself with the new guidelines and make any necessary adjustments.

A spokesperson for the Red Ensign Group emphasised the Code's dual focus on safety and innovation:

"The REG Yacht Code is the international standard for the design, construction, and operation of these vessels. We will never compromise on safety and crew welfare and maintain the highest maritime regulatory standards. However, we do recognise that it's important to support innovation and technological developments in a rapidly changing industry."

This commitment to both safety and innovation reflects the REG's dedication to fostering a thriving and responsible superyacht sector that prioritises the well-being of seafarers and upholds the highest standards of maritime safety. The updated Yacht Code serves as a testament to the REG's commitment to ensuring the continued success of the global yachting industry.

To stay updated with the latest industry developments, be sure to sign up to our newsletter . You can also join the PYA as a member and access numerous services including our MCA and Transport Malta approved Sea Service Verification .

Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024

This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey.

PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel

The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show.

YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People

The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People.

Red Ensign Group Yacht Code revision published

A new revision of the gold standard Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, set to come into force in July 2024, has been published, which intends to provide guidance on the best practice to facilitate safe solutions for commercially operated yachts over 24 metres (78 feet) in load-line length.

The new revision represents all the expertise gained across almost three decades of regulating the large yacht sector since the first version was published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 1997.

A spokesperson for Red Ensign Group said, “The Red Ensign Group Yacht Code is the international standard for the design, construction, and operation of these vessels. We will never compromise on safety and crew welfare and maintain the highest maritime regulatory standards. However, we do recognise that it’s important to support innovation and technological developments in a rapidly changing industry.”

This is the first significant revision since 2019 and has been developed over a period of two years in close consultation with the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group, which consists of a wide-ranging number of stakeholders including shipyards, designers, management companies, and regulatory authorities.

Substantive changes have been made to reflect the relevant regulatory amendments that have been published in recent years by the IMO and to accommodate current trends and innovation in yacht design.

The new revision of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code includes guidance on battery systems, over-side working systems, emergency training, installation of fire appliances, petrol storage, and more.

Significant amendments to the existing text have also been made to provide additional clarification to those areas of the Code which have previously been open to interpretation, to ensure its consistent application and to set a level playing field for the industry.

Although the Code will not come into force until July 2024 to give the industry time to become familiar with it and comply, it has already been published.

Download the code: Red Ensign Group Yacht Code

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In July 2024, Red Ensign Group’s Updated Yacht Code Takes Effect

The Red Ensign Group (REG), a group of British Shipping Registers, has unveiled an updated version of its flagship Yacht Code, a comprehensive framework setting safety and design standards in the yachting industry. This major revision, the first since 2019, draws on nearly three decades of regulatory experience since the initial 1997 publication.

It will not come into force until July 2024. Read on for more.

What The Update Entails

Developed over two years with input from the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group, the update incorporates substantial changes to align with recent International Maritime Organisation (IMO) amendments and accommodate evolving trends in yacht design. To ensure consistent application and fairness, the revision clarifies areas previously open to interpretation. Though the updated document is available, it won’t take full effect until July 2024, allowing the industry time to adapt.

Commitment To Safety & Innovation

A Red Ensign Group spokesperson emphasised the Code’s dual focus on safety and innovation, stating:

“We will never compromise on safety and crew welfare and maintain the highest maritime regulatory  standards. However, we do recognise that it’s important to support innovation and technological developments in a rapidly changing industry.”

This commitment to both safety and innovation underscores REG’s dedication to a thriving and responsible superyacht sector, prioritising seafarers’ well-being and upholding the highest maritime safety standards. The updated Yacht Code stands as a testament to REG’s commitment to ensuring the ongoing success of the global yachting industry.

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A closer look at the REG Code

Will the red ensign group code enable more flexibility within yacht design.

With the recently announced Red Ensign Group (REG) Code, to which the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry is taking the lead in the secretariat role, the group hopes to address certain frustrations associated with superyacht construction within a new regulatory framework for yachts. The new code will consolidate an updated version of the Large Yacht Code (LY3) and the latest version of the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) and aim to make the code more usable.

This all-encompassing concept will not be a first for yacht coding – the Marshall Islands Shipping Registry’s RMI Code has one document that covers both large yachts and passenger yachts. However, the REG wants to differentiate the new code by including greater flexibility for naval architects, designers and yards. While the REG is developing the new code to match international conventions – and they expect to update the Load Line, SOLAS and STCW requirements to keep up with the steady trickle of updates from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) – the focus is also on giving opportunities to yards and designers to explore unique and innovative ideas that owners want.

“Although the codes will remain mostly the same, we want to ensure that within the prescriptive framework, we have alternative design and arrangement clauses,” says Jo Assael, Cayman’s senior surveyor and yacht codes specialist. “This will enable designers to go a little more off-piste and allow them, through rigorous design and engineering principles, to prove that an alternative standard is just as safe as the prescriptive one. Hopefully, this is going to open the doors to these unique designs that haven’t been allowed by the code in the past.” The REG is expecting publication of the new code in September 2017, which would lead to an application date for vessels with keels laid after 1 January, 2019.

“We are trying to make the codes as easy to understand and use as possible, but we do always have to remember that the underlying regulations or conventions come from the IMO and are designed for the international shipping community, which is inherently more experienced and more professional in their applications of the regulations,” adds Assael. “Designing and building a superyacht isn’t a simple thing and the Large Yacht Code and Passenger Yacht Code are very technical documents – we can’t dumb them down too much because they have to achieve a certain standard that is acceptable to the wider shipping community when we notify the IMO of the codes.”

With the new code, the Red Ensign Group also wants to look at industry best practice: certain construction equivalents have become such standard industry practice over the years and it is intended that these are written into the code. “We want to streamline that and make sure we are regulating how people are building boats today, as opposed to how they were building boats when we first wrote the Large Yacht Code in 1997,” explains Assael.

Examples of such standard practice tend to be on the engineering side of the vessel; for instance, ventilator exhaust and air pipes are required to have weathertight, closure, but on yachts they are generally all hidden in the bulwark or in the headlining. They are in protected locations so either there isn’t ready access to them or their protection from the weather is already afforded in the design, meaning the requirement for weathertight closure is not necessary.

“It is these ‘behind-the-scenes’ tweaks that never actually affect the owner’s enjoyment of a vessel or the aesthetics but define the way that we build the vessels and the way that they are operated today,” advises Assael. “We are trying to get them written into the code so builders can take advantage of them, and reduce the burden on build time and cost when it is something that we are happy for them to do from the start, as long as they follow X, Y and Z.”

To date, the REG has been hosting a number of working groups through which it hopes to ascertain what the industry itself hopes to see change. Various working groups have been created, spanning LY3, PYC, helicopter-landing areas and passenger limits. It is hoped that one of the key factors addressed will be allowing innovation while ensuring safe construction.

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Update to the Red Ensign group Yacht Code

• January 16, 2024

A recent update to the esteemed Red Ensign Group Yacht Code has been released, aiming to offer guidance on optimal practices for ensuring safe operations of commercially run yachts exceeding 24 meters (78 feet) in load-line length.

This fresh revision embodies the accumulated expertise acquired over nearly three decades of overseeing the large yacht sector, tracing back to the inaugural version introduced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 1997. A spokesperson from the Red Ensign Group emphasized, “The REG Yacht Code stands as the global benchmark for the design, construction, and functioning of these vessels. We are unwavering in our commitment to safety and crew well-being, upholding the highest maritime regulatory standards. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the importance of supporting innovation and technological advancements in this swiftly evolving industry.”

This marks the first notable revision since 2019 and has undergone a two-year development period, closely collaborating with the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group. The working group comprises a diverse array of stakeholders, including shipyards, designers, management firms, and regulatory bodies. Substantial adjustments have been implemented to align with pertinent regulatory modifications published by the IMO in recent years and to accommodate contemporary trends and advancements in yacht design.

The updated Red Ensign Group Yacht Code incorporates guidance on various aspects, such as battery systems, over-side working systems, emergency training, installation of fire appliances, petrol storage, and more. Noteworthy amendments to the existing content aim to offer additional clarity to sections of the Code susceptible to varied interpretations, ensuring uniform application and establishing an equitable playing field for the industry.

Despite the publication of the Code, its enforcement is slated for July 2024, affording the industry ample time to acquaint itself with the changes and adhere to the updated guidelines. For further details, please visit the Red Ensign Group website .

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LY2: the large yacht code

LY2 was the 2005 update of the original 'code of practice for the safety of large commercial sailing and motor vessels', known as LY1.

LY2 is a previous version of the code of practice for the safety of large commercial yachts under 3000 gross tonnage. This code has been replaced by the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code

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25 August 2021

How we help you navigate the REG Yacht Code

In the last two decades, the introduction of various regulations has reshaped the yachting industry and improved safety standards.

Depending on how many guests are to be carried, owners must now ensure they adhere to ISM compliance , ISPS, LY3, MLC, the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) and the REG Yacht Code.

What is the Passenger Yacht Code?

In 2017, the Passenger Yacht Code was replaced by the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part B regulations.

Prior to this, the PYC was a safety standard that applied to all private and commercial pleasure yachts of any size that wished to carry 13 to 36 passengers, without cargo.

The Passenger Yacht Code was developed to address the practical difficulties of applying international Convention standards to yachts and super yachts when they were originally designed for merchant ships, particularly the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and the Load Line Convention.

The aim of the PYC was to minimise the risk to vessels, on-board personnel and the environment by introducing stringent design criteria, construction standards and other safety standards.

What is the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code?

In 2017, the Passenger Yacht Code was replaced by the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code Part B – a natural progression and improvement on the Large Yacht Code (LYC).

The LYC had previously tried to sets minimum standards for commercial yachts measuring over 24m, weighing less than 3000gt that were permitted to carry a maximum of 12 passengers.

The Red Ensign Group (REG) code Part A also superseded by the Large Yacht Code at the same time.

Why was the REG Yacht Code introduced?

Designing an aesthetically-pleasing luxury yacht that could carry 36 guests whilst adhering to all the requirements of the Passenger Yacht Code, proved to be far from easy.

In truth, this was due to the stringent SOLAS requirements which were intended for ships. Red Ensign Group developed the new Part A and Part B code so that technical, safety and operational standards could be maintained but were easier to accommodate within the design of a private vessel.

How are captains and owners affected?

Every experienced captain will have had to explain the 12-guest limit at some point, particularly on charters. This can often become a source of contention for all the parties involved.

While some guests understand the regulations better than others, it’s not unusual for people to plead for a slight ‘bending’ of the rules. Asking for small children to be discounted from the 12-guest limit is probably the most common, closely followed by requests for ‘few extra friends’ to sleep on the sofas.

To remain compliant with the Part A and B of the REG Yacht Code, it is essential that all of the rules are adhered to at ALL times.

Whilst there are several differences between Part A (12 guests maximum) and Part B (36 guests maximum), for larger vessels the measures primarily focus on steps that will help keep the additional guests safe.

Some of the safety measures that must be adopted include:

• Taking steps to reduce the spread of fire
• Increased usage of fire-retardant materials
• Better emergency floatation – watertight compartments
• Improving escape routes – more fixed ladders
• Segmented engine room

Helping you sail through Yacht Code compliance

Whether you own a luxury yacht or Superyacht, we can provide all of the ISPS and ISM compliance a vessel needs.

Depending on your other yacht management requirements, we offer this as a standalone service or as part of our full management package.

To take the stress and hassle out of cruising, you’ll be provided with a Flag State approved Safety Management System (SMS) so you’re compliant at all times.

For further reassurance, you’ll also be assigned with a Dedicated Person Ashore (DPA) to conduct annual on-board compliance audits and act as a main port of call. If new safety or security legislation is issued, we’ll take care of it.

For a friendly and informal discussion about any of these issues, please get in touch – we’ll be happy to help.

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