Scope
Governing: REG Yacht Code Part B section 1.2 and Common Annex G3; MSN 1866 (M) Amendment 2 section 17; STCW regulation V/2. Builds on: STCW Basic Safety.
Twelve is the line
The REG Yacht Code Part A covers yachts of 24 m and over in commercial use that carry no more than 12 passengers. Part B covers pleasure yachts of any size, private or in trade, on international voyages carrying more than 12 but not more than 36 passengers, with no more than 200 persons in total, and no cargo. Part B defines a passenger ship as one carrying more than 12 passengers, and a passenger yacht as a yacht in trade carrying more than 12 but not more than 36.
Chapter 10 of Part B adds requirements for yachts certified to carry more than 120 persons (maximum 200), which are only open to yachts of 80 m and over. Under it, all seafarers hold the STCW basic courses and security awareness, and occasional workers may not exceed 10% of non-passengers.
What the Code asks of the crew
REG Common Annex G3:
- (14) The number of trained persons is always sufficient to assist the total number of passengers.
- (15) On Part B vessels, masters and officers receive additional training to perform their duties with respect to passengers.
- (16) Other crew nominated on muster lists to assist passengers in emergencies receive appropriate additional training.
- The footnote: training is in accordance with STCW regulation V/2, as required by the Administration.
For G3 purposes on Part B, 'officers' includes the master, chief engineer, chief officer, OOWs, engineer officers, ETO, and the chief steward, purser or head of interior.
The V/2 elements
MSN 1866 section 17 sets out the UK requirements for passenger ships on international voyages:
| Element | Who | Delivered by | Refresher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger ship emergency familiarisation | Everyone working on board | Ship-specific; company records it | - |
| Crowd management | Muster-list duties to assist passengers | Ship-specific; not necessarily an approved provider | Within 5 years; drills can demonstrate it |
| Safety training for direct service to passengers | Crew serving passengers in passenger spaces | Ship-specific | - |
| Crisis management and human behaviour | Designated on muster list as responsible for passenger safety | MCA-approved training provider | Within 5 years |
| Passenger safety, cargo safety, hull integrity | Ro-ro passenger ships only | Approved provider | Within 5 years |
STCW regulation V/2 also names masters, chief engineers, chief mates and second engineers as needing crisis management training.
Endorsement and recognition
Under MSN 1866 section 17.5, continued competence in crisis management is shown by a refresher course (the provider endorses the certificate for a further 5 years) or by appropriate shipboard service (the company may endorse it, if its SMS contains that procedure). The UK accepts crisis management CoPs issued under the authority of any EU Member State (section 18).
CAUTION - Promotion resets the need MSN 1866 is explicit that training is 'in accordance with your capacity, duties and responsibilities'. A deckhand promoted to bosun, or a stew made head of interior, may need retraining.
TIP - Read the muster list first Your muster-list duties decide what you need. If it says you are responsible for passenger safety, you need crisis management training before you take up duties.