Question 1

I run a UK-flagged charter yacht out of Crosshaven — UK Code or Irish PBL?

Accepted Answer

The flag State sets the Code. A UK-flagged vessel under the SPV Code 2025 (or Workboat Ed.3 if she's not pleasure-use) keeps that certificate when operating in Irish waters, subject to a port-State control inspection by the Marine Survey Office. You only need an Irish PBL if you re-flag to Ireland or set up an Irish operating entity.

Question 2

RYA training charter — does the SPV Code apply or do we stay under Workboat Ed.3?

Accepted Answer

RYA training delivered on a chartered vessel is treated as instructed-charter passenger carriage under the SPV Code 2025. Workboat Ed.3 only applies if the vessel itself is a working boat and the trainees are crew, not paying passengers. Most RYA Sea School operations fall under SPV.

Question 3

I change use mid-year — bareboat in summer, my own family use in winter.

Accepted Answer

If any commercial operation happens during the cert year, the vessel needs a Code certificate for that full year. You cannot dual-status seasonally. Most operators pick the broadest Code their use requires (SPV 2025 covers both charter and private use) and run it year-round.

Question 4

Vessel is exactly 24 m at the waterline — over or under?

Accepted Answer

The threshold is 24 m load-line length, not waterline. Get the load-line figure from the builder's plate or stability book. If it's 23.99 m the small commercial Code applies; 24.00 m and above moves to large-yacht / LY3 territory and you need specialist advice.

Question 5

Pilot boat used occasionally for crew transfer — Workboat or SPV?

Accepted Answer

Workboat Ed.3. Pilot boats are explicitly a workboat-class operation. Crew transfer doesn't change that; carrying paying passengers would (but that's a different vessel entirely).

Question 6

Wind-farm crew transfer vessel — Workboat or its own code?

Accepted Answer

Workboat Code Ed.3 with the offshore wind-farm support annex. Crew on board are considered industrial personnel, not passengers. Annex L sets the additional fendering, transfer, and stability requirements.

Which UK Code applies to your vessel?

Is the vessel under 24 metres load-line length?

How is the vessel chartered?

What is the primary use?

Where does it operate?