7. Single Handed Operations
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - MGN 280 - Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats - Alternative Construction Standards - Annex 3 - The Manning of Small Vessels - General - 7. Single Handed Operations

7. Single Handed Operations

  7.1 The MCA does not recommend single handed operations. Vessels operating under this Code, other than those engaged as Pilot Boats or in any other business which involves the transfer of personnel at sea, may be operated single handed providing that the person operating the vessel complies fully with the minimum requirements for a skipper (appropriately qualified for the operating area) and the following conditions:-

  • .1 the area of operation is restricted to Area Category 3, 4, 5 or 6 in conditions of favourable weather and subject to favourable official weather forecasts for the area throughout the period of operation; and

  • .2 the duration of the voyage should not exceed 8 hours; and

  • .3 the vessel is not operated single handed in conditions of restricted visibility; and

  • .4 an acceptable lifejacket is worn at all times by the skipper; and

  • .5 no overside working takes place whilst the vessel is being operated single handed; and

  • .6 details of the time and point of departure, voyage plan and the Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) of every single handed voyage are left with a suitable person ashore and that person is notified of the safe arrival on completion of each voyage; and

  • .7 communication should be made with a person ashore or with a vessel in company at regular agreed intervals; and

  • .8 on all open sportsboats, inflatable craft and RIBS, engine kill-cords should be fitted and used at all times.

  7.2 In some cases, because of the size and arrangement of the vessel, the Certifying Authority may deem the vessel not to be suitable for single handed operations. In all cases where single handed operations are carried out, the owner/managing agent and the skipper should be satisfied that it is safe to do so. The vessels certificate should show that it is suitable for "single handed" operations.

Parent topic: General
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