Your Yacht, Your Rules? Not Quite—Key Rules Every Yacht Owner Must Follow (Part 2)

STCW Convention (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)

What Is It?

The STCW Convention sets the global benchmark for seafarer training, certification, and watchkeeping—basically, it’s the “Hey, are you sure you know how to run this thing?” rulebook. According to Article III, it doesn’t apply to pleasure yachts not engaged in trade, which sounds simple… until you dive into the fine print of national regulations (like the UK’s) and realize that “simple” went out the porthole a long time ago.

 

What’s Required from Yachts?

The UK Twist

• • Under the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Regulations 2022, if your yacht is less than 80 GT or under 24 metres, you’re generally off the STCW hook.

• • If your pleasure yacht is 24 metres or more and at least 80 GT but less than 3000 GT, you’re exempt from those UK STCW regs—but only if you meet the manning requirements in MSN 1858 (deck) and MSN 1859 (engineering).

• • If your yacht is over 3000 GT, congratulations: you must fully comply with the STCW regulations

 

Decoding the Chaos

• • Check your flag state’s rules (because every country loves doing things its own way).

• • If the rules aren’t crystal clear, look up the definitions of “ship” and “seafarer” in your local laws.

• • If you’re still scratching your head, just ask us—better that than a fine.

 

If STCW Does Apply

• • Make sure your officers hold the right Certificates of Competency (correct yacht size, engine power, area of operation, etc.).

• • All seafarers (yes, even that cousin who’s “just helping out”) should have STCW Basic Training.

• • Personnel in charge of specific duties may need advanced STCW training (firefighting, medical care, fast rescue boat, etc.).

• • Watchkeeping personnel should have watchkeeping certificates.

• • If you have GMDSS equipment, whoever presses those big red buttons must have GMDSS certification.

• • Check that everyone’s medical certificates are current—you don’t want a surprise check to spoil your day.

• • If an officer’s certificate is issued by a country other than your flag, you may need a flag state endorsement.

 

If STCW Doesn’t Apply

• • We still think you should do all the above anyway—for safety, peace of mind, and to avoid weird looks in countries where the rules might say otherwise. After all, better to have training you don’t strictly need than to be caught off-guard when crossing a border with extra-fussy authorities.

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Logic:

At the end of the day, running a yacht safely isn’t just about ticking legal boxes; it’s about protecting yourself, your crew, and anyone else who steps onboard (and maybe avoiding a few headaches in foreign ports!). Having the right ship compliance software in place makes this process a whole lot smoother.

 

MLC (Maritime Labour Convention)

What Is It?

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) sets international standards for the working and living conditions of seafarers. However, according to Article II, it only applies to ships “ordinarily engaged in commercial activities.” That may sound like it rules out private yachts entirely, but as always, local regulations can add a twist—especially if your yacht carries paid crew or voyages beyond coastal waters.

 

What’s Required from Yachts?

UK Regulations

• • The MLC doesn’t apply to yachts that operate only in inland or sheltered waters, or aren’t normally used for commercial activities.

• • However, certain elements do kick in if you have paid crew or venture beyond coastal voyages. Specifically:
    

     

    1. 1. Working Time Limits can apply.
    1. 1. Five or More Paid Crew? A crew agreement is required if you undertake non-coastal voyages.
    1. 1. Occupational Health & Safety laws apply whenever paid crew are on board a UK-flagged yacht.
    1. 1. Various Health and Safety Regulations also come into play, including (but not limited to):
          

           

          • • Control of Noise at Work
          • • Control of Vibration at Work
          • • Provision and Use of Work Equipment
          • • Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
          • • Working at Height
          • • Manual Handling
          • • Personal Protective Equipment
          • • Working with Carcinogens and Mutagens
          • • Working with Biological Agents
          • • Working with Chemical Agents
          • • Working with Artificial Optical Radiation
          • • Working with Asbestos
          • • Employment of Young Persons
          • • Safety Signs

    1. 1. Medical Stores – For yachts covered by these rules, the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Medical Stores) Regulations 1995 apply (details set out in the relevant notices).
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    3. Other Countries, Other Rules

       • • As with all things maritime, each jurisdiction interprets the MLC a bit differently. If your yacht is flagged somewhere else, you’ll need to check how that country applies the convention to pleasure yachts.

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Logic:

You might be thinking, “But I’m not running a cruise ship here!” True—yet the moment you hire paid crew or embark on more extensive voyages, elements of the MLC can kick in. At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring safe, fair conditions for the people who help keep your yacht shipshape. If you’re not sure which rules apply, it’s best to do a bit of homework before you weigh anchor.

 

MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) 

What Is It?

It’s pretty simple (and super important): Don’t dump your trash in the ocean—and that includes everything from plastic bottles to raw sewage. MARPOL lays out the global rules for preventing ship-sourced pollution. Yes, even your pleasure yacht needs to follow them. Think of it this way: nobody wants to swim in your leftover lunch.

 

What’s Required from Yachts?

 

1. 1. All Yachts, Big or Small

       

      • • Return All Waste to Shore whenever possible. If you can bring it on board, you can bring it back—nothing says “I love the ocean” like not filling it with garbage.
      • • Check Local Rules – Different areas have different ideas about what you can and can’t dump (and where). If you sail into foreign waters, play by their rules or face some not-so-pleasant consequences.

1. 1. Sewage Pollution Prevention

       

      • • Large or passenger-carrying yachts usually need a sewage pollution prevention certificate, but even if you’re not covered by that requirement, you should still be a responsible ocean citizen.
      • • Use a holding tank if you have one, and empty it:
          

           

          • • At pump-out stations in marinas or ports, or
          • • Over 3 miles offshore (in open sea) where waste is quickly diluted and dispersed.

      • • If you don’t have a holding tank, try not to flush directly overboard in poor tidal areas (like estuaries, inland waterways, or crowded anchorages). Use shore facilities whenever you can.
      • • Some places prohibit any overboard discharge of sewage—so always check local guidance before you do anything, shall we say, “uncivilized.”

Logic:

Treating the ocean like your personal dumpster isn’t just uncool—it’s harmful to marine life and the environment. Keeping your yacht compliant under MARPOL is simpler than it sounds: bring your waste back to shore, use holding tanks when you can, and be mindful of local restrictions. Keep the seas clean, and they’ll stay beautiful for everyone who wants to sail (and swim) in them!

 

MARPOL Annex V – Garbage

What Is It?

MARPOL Annex V focuses on garbage disposal at sea, setting strict guidelines on what can (and cannot) be discharged overboard. Whether you run a commercial ship or a private yacht, no one wants to navigate through floating trash.

 

What’s Required from Yachts?

 

1. 1. No Dumping
      

       

      • • As a general rule, bring all garbage back to shore for proper disposal. If you could store it on board, you can store it until you return.

1. 1. Placards
      

       

      • • Under UK regulations, if your yacht is over 12m in length, you must display Garbage Placards that inform the crew and passengers about proper disposal requirements.

1. 1. Garbage Record Book (GRB)
      

       

      • • A Garbage Record Book is required for ships of 100 GT or above and any ship certified to carry 15 or more persons.
      • • Previously, this was only required for vessels of 400 GT and above—so check your current local regulations in case they’ve changed.

1. 1. Garbage Management Plan
      

       

      • • Ships of 100 GT or above, or those carrying 15 or more persons, need a Garbage Management Plan. This requirement aligns with Regulation 10.2 of Annex V (UK regulation 11).

1. 1. Check Local Rules
      

       

      • • Different countries may have different thresholds and specific rules. If you sail into foreign waters, be sure to follow local regulations—or risk some unpleasant consequences.

Logic:

Treating the ocean like a dumpster isn’t just harmful to the environment, it’s also against the law. Following Annex V is simpler than you might think: display the right placards, record your waste, and dispose of it responsibly on shore. By doing so, you help keep the seas clean for everyone.

 

MARPOL Annex VI – Air Pollution

What Is It?

Think of MARPOL Annex VI as the ocean’s “Clean Air Act.” Its rules aim to keep your yacht from belching out harmful emissions and using substances that damage the ozone layer.

 

What’s Required from Yachts?

 

• • Engines Over 130 kW & Yacht Over 24m
    

     

    • • You’ll likely need an Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) Certificate.

• • Yacht ≥ 400 GT
    

     

    • • An International or UK Air Pollution Prevention Certificate may be required, depending on where you operate.

• • EU Twist
    

     

    • • If your yacht is considered a Recreational Craft (RCD), you must meet EU emission standards.

• • NOx Controls
    

     

    • • Engines over 130 kW must meet NOx limits, which get stricter in certain Emission Control Areas (ECAs). Outside those areas, Tier II standards generally apply.

• • Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)
    

     

    • • Phase out or avoid refrigerants and other substances that harm the ozone layer.

• • Fuel Oil Quality (SOx Compliance)
    

     

    • • Use low-sulphur fuel to reduce sulphur oxide emissions. Keep an eye on local maximum sulphur limits.

• • Sampling Point
    

     

    • • Some flags require a designated sampling point in your fuel system. It’s basically a “checkup station” to prove you’re burning the right stuff.

• • Local Differences
    

     

    • • Different countries tweak these rules. If you’d rather not have awkward chats with port officials, confirm what applies in your cruising grounds.

Logic:

Less smoke means clearer air for everyone on (and off) your yacht. Complying with Annex VI helps protect our blue skies and oceans—so you can focus on enjoying the breeze, not polluting it.

 

MARPOL Annex I – Oil Pollution

What Is It?

This part of MARPOL handles the super important (and not-so-pretty) topic of oil spills—think leftover engine oil, bilge slops, and anything else greasy you don’t want glistening on the water’s surface.

What’s Required from Yachts?

 

1. 1. Keep Oil On Board
      

       

      • • Best practice: No matter the size of your yacht, store oily waste onboard and dispose of it at proper shore facilities. That way, the only “rainbow sheen” you see is in the sky, not on the sea.

1. 1. Overboard Discharges
      

       

      • • If your yacht is big enough to have an approved oily water separator and oil discharge monitoring equipment, you can discharge at sea under 15 ppm—but only while underway.
      • • Oh, and Antarctica? Off-limits. No exceptions. Penguins do not appreciate your oil.

1. 1. For Yachts < 400 GT
      

       

      • • You’re not required to install an oily water separator. So, the easiest solution is don’t dump. Keep that oil onboard until you hit dry land.

1. 1. Certificates & Surveys
      

       

      • • Yachts ≥ 400 GT need an International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate.
      • • Yachts ≥ 1000 GT must carry a Certificate of Insurance (or other financial security) in case of bunker oil pollution mishaps (better safe—and insured—than sorry).

Logic

Oil on the water is bad news for everyone—sea creatures, beachcombers, and fellow boaters. By keeping your oily waste onboard (and handling it responsibly), you’ll sail with a clear conscience and a cleaner wake. It might be a bit more work, but hey, at least your holiday photos won’t include an oil slick!

 

Energy Efficiency

What Is It?

Although energy efficiency technically falls under MARPOL Annex VI, it’s generated enough buzz that we’re giving it its own spotlight. In essence, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) wants vessels over 400 GT making international voyages to be more mindful of their fuel consumption and carbon footprint.

What’s Required from Yachts?

 

1. 1. Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)
      

       

      • • If your yacht is over 400 GT and engaged in international voyages, you need a vessel-specific SEEMP on board.
      • • This plan isn’t just for show—it’s a living document outlining how you’ll maintain and improve your yacht’s energy efficiency over its lifetime.

1. 1. International Energy Efficiency (IEE) Certificate
      

       

      • • Same size and voyage criteria: ≥ 400 GT and international journeys? You’ll need an IEE Certificate. It’s your proof of compliance with IMO’s efficiency rules.

But What Does “Energy Efficient” Really Mean?
Even without regulations, staying energy efficient is just plain smart. It saves fuel, cuts costs, and reduces your environmental footprint. Here are a few areas where you can make a difference:

 

• • Hull & Propeller Maintenance
    

     

    • • A clean hull and propeller reduce drag and fuel burn. It’s like cleaning mud off your boots—everything just works smoother.

• • Voyage Optimization
    

     

    • • Plan your routes, use weather routing, and manage speed effectively to avoid rough seas and high fuel consumption.

• • Keep an Eye on Data
    

     

    • • Monitoring fuel usage, engine performance, and onboard power loads helps you spot inefficiencies and fix them.

• • Other Upgrades & Habits
    

     

    • • LEDs, efficient AC systems, and mindful operation can all contribute to a lower carbon footprint. (And if someone jokes about “switching off that light”—well, sometimes it helps!)

Logic:

Yes, the IMO wants yachts to comply with new rules, but at the end of the day, better energy efficiency means a cleaner, greener experience on the water. Small changes add up—so embrace them, and enjoy smoother (and cheaper) sailing!

By integrating ship compliance software into your operations, you can streamline MARPOL compliance, reduce risks, and ensure a responsible yachting experience.

SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)

What Is It?

The SOLAS Convention is mostly aimed at large commercial vessels, but don’t be fooled—parts of Chapter V absolutely apply to small, privately owned pleasure craft. Ignoring these rules could land you in hot water (literally and legally). According to SOLAS, if you’re involved in a boating accident and it’s found you didn’t follow these basic principles, you may face prosecution.

 

Key Requirements Under Chapter V

Voyage (Passage) Planning

SOLAS Regulation V/34: You’re expected to plan your trip ahead of time. This involves checking weather forecasts, plotting your route, and having contingency plans if things go wrong. A little foresight now can save a lot of trouble later.

Radar Reflectors or Radar Target Enhancers

Being visible to others (especially large ships) helps them avoid you. If you’re out at sea, make sure you’re not the world’s best-kept secret.

Life-Saving Signals

It’s crucial to know what distress signals look like, and how to send or receive them. Could be flares, radio calls—just don’t skip this in your safety routine.

Assistance to Other Craft

SOLAS Regulations V/31, V/32, and V/33: If you come across a serious hazard to navigation or notice someone in distress, you’re required to report it (VHF, phone call to Coastguard, etc.). You must also respond to any distress signal you see or hear, if you can safely help.

Misuse of Distress Signals

SOLAS Regulation V/35: Don’t cry wolf. Misusing flares or other signals not only wastes everyone’s time; it could also endanger lives by diverting help from a real emergency.

 

Logic:

While SOLAS might seem geared towards big ocean liners, safety doesn’t care about your vessel’s size. A bit of planning and awareness can keep you, your passengers, and fellow seafarers safe—and keep you out of the courtroom, too!