23rd February 2026
Workboat owners and operators with vessels requiring a survey by December 2026 are being urged to act now to avoid missing the deadline for transition to the updated code of safety standards.
The message is being issued jointly by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Workboat Association to those affected by transitional arrangements to the Workboat Code Edition 3 ending on 13 December 2026.
The aim is to avoid demand for surveys at the end of the year causing a shortage of slots, and the potential for vessels having to be tied up while they wait to be seen by certifying authorities.
Affected vessels will be among those currently holding five-year certification under previous codes, including the Brown Code, its equivalent standard published in MGN 280(M), or Workboat Code Edition 2, Amendment 1.
Transition to Workboat Code Edition 3 permitted vessels to meet requirements by the vessel's next renewal examination or three years after the date of entry into force of the Code, on 13 December 2023, whichever is later.
It means that 13 December 2026 is when the first cohort of vessels not to have transitioned to the new code must have secured the correct certification to remain active.
The advice from the MCA and Workboat Association is: check the code, prepare the vessel, book the survey.
Rob Taylor, MCA Code Vessel Lead, said:
The UK's fleet of workboats delivers a vital service for a wide range of maritime industries. To ensure business keeps flowing, we want to help make sure everyone is ready.
The Workboat Code Edition 3 was created to help the industry stay safe and support developing technology. It's a clearer code but there are changes, so we want everyone to be prepared without a last-minute rush.
The MCA and the Workboat Association are speaking with one voice to encourage owners and operators to do three things: check the code, prepare the vessel, book the survey.
Kerrie Forster, Chief Executive Officer of the Workboat Association, said:
With the first transition deadline fast approaching, I urge all operators of previous Workboat Code editions to ensure their vessels, crew and documentation are fully aligned.
This is not just a regulatory milestone - it's an important opportunity for industry to demonstrate its commitment to safety, consistency, and professionalism.
Do not allow yourself to be caught out by the 13 December 2026 deadline.
An operator who is securing safety certification under the Workboat Code Edition 3 is Ben Wheatley, Marine Superintendent at Marine Plant Hire (UK) Ltd.
Read Ben's story: Firm's business boost from embracing Workboat Code Edition 3
Red it below
Ben, whose background is a certified Master, believes embracing the Code is an "investment" that, with forward planning, has strengthened clients’ confidence in Marine Plant Hire (UK) Ltd’s capabilities and fuelled its expansion.
Ben said, "Essentially, it makes you more commercially resilient - clients are seeing the value in the Code.
The Workboat Code Edition 3 includes the world’s first maritime safety legislation for the development of remotely operated unmanned vessels and workboats using alternative fuels.
Previously, operators needed to consult different codes, depending on their vessel’s age and specifications. The new, unified version places these sets of requirements into a single publication.
Visit the Workboat Code Edition 3.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-workboat-code-edition-3
Firm’s business boost from embracing Workboat Code Edition 3
Safety, simplicity and support for new technology. Those were the goals of the new Workboat Code Edition 3 when it was launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 2023.
For Marine Plant Hire (UK) Ltd, based in Dawlish, Devon, and operating around the UK, there has also been a clear bottom-line business benefit.
Ben Wheatley, the company’s Marine Superintendent, shares his experience as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Workboat Association issue a joint message to the sector, encouraging operators to get ready for the next step of the Code’s implementation.
The advice is: check the code, prepare the vessel, book the survey.
Read more about the 13 December 2026 transition date and who it applies to: United message for Workboat Code Edition 3 deadline: ‘Check. Prepare. Book’
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-workboat-code-edition-3
Ben, whose background is a certified Master, believes embracing the Code is an "investment" that, with forward planning, has strengthened clients’ confidence in Marine Plant Hire (UK) Ltd’s capabilities and fueled its expansion.
He said:
Essentially, it makes you more commercially resilient - clients are seeing the value in the Code.
Read Workboat Code Edition 3: The safety of small workboats and pilot boats - a code of practice.
Ben explained:
As Workboat Code Edition 3 approached, Marine Plant Hire (UK) Ltd understood how advantageous it would be to lead the sector with vessels properly coded, and the strong position it would put the company in.
We grew and grew rapidly; we invested in tonnage. All of that requires a comprehensive approach to safety management and coding.
Marine Plant Hire (UK) Ltd sprang from its sister company, TMS Maritime, a marine and civil engineering contractor, and now has about 24 vessels. Half of those to which the Code applies have now been fully certified, including required crew training. The rest are expected to be compliant by 13 December this year.
Plotting the course to confident compliance literally started with Ben getting out calendars - clearly marking when vessels needed certifying, as well as budget and other factors, and treating the process as a distinct part of the business.
Ben accepts there is expense but notes the potential savings and improved crew welfare through safety gains and maintenance efficiencies.
He said:
I personally believe the Workboat Code Edition 3 is guiding operators into a more seamanlike, professional manner - the kind I saw during my career as Master on bigger ships.
We cannot know how many accidents we have not had because of how we improved the vessels and crew skills, such as passage planning. You’re also reducing the risk of pollution, incidents and damage – saving you money just from avoiding breakdowns.
"Start now" is Ben’s advice:
Get your calendars out with the dates for each workboat and allow for that in your business model so you are not caught out. It’s a project.
There’s no need to panic. There is lots of help interpreting the Code from industry organisations, like the Workboat Association. Have a call with a surveyor for guidance. Find online guidance from certifying authorities.
He concluded:
Marine Plant Hire (UK) Ltd has decided it’s worth making the investment – and the most efficient way to do that is not to start in December 2026.
Published 23 February 2026
https://www.gov.uk/transport/maritime-surveying