26.2.4 Guidance on Appropriate Manning Levels

 In addition to unrestricted STCW qualifications, information as to specific qualifications for Large Yachts and Sail Training Vessels are contained within:

• MGN 156 "Training and Certification Guidance Part 17 Certificates of Competency or Marine Engine Operator Licences for Service as an Engineer Officer on Commercially and Privately Operated Yachts and Sail Training Vessels", and;

• MSN 1802 "Training and Certification Guidance - Part 21 Deck Officer Certificates of Competency For Service on Commercially and Privately Operated Yachts and Sail Training Vessels".

• MGN 270 ‘’Training and Certification Guidance - Part 23 - Yacht Rating Certificates for service on commercially and privately operated yachts and sail training vessels’’.

Vessels over 3000 GT should comply with MSN 1767. Hours of Work, Safe Manning and Watchkeeping revised Provisions from 7 September 2002

A training organisation wishing to operate UK registered Training Vessel(s) carrying more than 12 trainees must register this intention with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) including details of:

• 1. The organisation together with points of contact

• 2. Name, port of registry, size and type of vessel;

• 3. Details of the regular crew. This may evidenced by a safe manning document. However, in the absence of a safe manning document this should be in the form of a declaration of the minimum manning required for contracted crew as detailed in MSN 1767 (or as subsequently amended);

• 4. Maximum number of trainees that can be carried;

• 5. The age profile of the trainees; and

• 6. Any special circumstances relevant to the proposed operation.

If operating under a Code then the vessels Code Certificate of Compliance should be endorsed 'Sail Training Vessel' or Motor Training Vessel.

Every vessel should have a Risk Assessment and Safety Policy in place. If trainees under the age of 18 are to be carried they should also have a Child Protection policy and appropriate code of conduct to ensure the welfare and well being of the trainees.

The registration will only be approved provided the proposal fully satisfies the recommendations and guidelines outlined above. The MCA may require an owner or operator to amend a proposal if, after evaluation, the proposal is considered inadequate.

A training vessel may carry a combination of passengers and trainees. However, a training vessel operating under a Code of Practice may only carry a maximum of 12 passengers at any time.