Framework
Governing: REG Yacht Code July 2024 Edition, Common Annexes, Annex G (G1–G3); IMO Res. A.1047(27); Cayman MPM Rev 14 §§21–25. Builds on: Red Ensign Flag Endorsements for Yacht Crew.
The REG Yacht Code keeps manning in one place: Annex G, Manning, Certification and Hours of Work, in the Common Annexes. Corrigenda No.1 (28 Apr 2026) made no change to it.
What Annex G says
- G3(1): carry, in addition to the master, enough qualified deck and engineer officers and ratings to operate safely at all times.
- G3(2): assess manning against IMO A.1047(27), STCW, the MLC and national law.
- G3(3): responsibility rests with the owner, master and operators.
- G3(4): factors include size and complexity, machinery, area and type of operation, watches at sea, at anchor and in port, peak workloads, rest, maintenance, mooring, emergencies, the SMS and security.
- G3(5): SOLAS requires a Safe Manning Document for vessels of 500 GT and above, excluding pleasure vessels not engaged in trade; smaller or private yachts may hold one and take a "range and risk" approach.
- G3(8)–(9): Code yachts hold a Safe Manning Document "or similar certification". The application explains how manning was derived, how hours of rest will be met, and the yacht's size, layout and machinery, with a General Arrangement plan.
- G3(10): more than one proposal may be made for different operating patterns.
- G3(11): officers hold STCW certificates, but yacht qualifications may be accepted below 3000 GT for Part A yachts and Part B private passenger yachts.
Who issues MSMDs
| Flag | Scope | Fee (where published) |
|---|---|---|
| Cayman | Mandatory at 500 GT and above; Cayman policy issues one to all yachts engaged in trade of 24 m and over under Part A; Part B under Annex G (MPM §21) | US$700 initial; US$350 variation or renewal |
| Isle of Man | All commercial yachts (MSN 054 Sched. 3 ix); issued by the IoM, not class (Sched. 2) | Not checked |
| Bermuda | All merchant ships over 500 GT; class may not issue it (MG-03). No yacht-specific text found | Not found |
| BVI | Required before a YET survey (MC 01/2026 §4.1); general yacht policy not found | Not found |
| Gibraltar | Safe Manning Document required (Yachtmaster's Handbook §1.1) | £165 standard |
Changes and withdrawal
A change in equipment, construction or use that may affect manning means a new application (G3(6); MPM §24). An MSMD may be withdrawn if the owner fails to re-apply after changes to trading area, construction, machinery, operation or maintenance, or if the yacht persistently fails the hours-of-rest requirements (G3(7); MPM §25).
WARNING — The table is a floor, not a plan Cayman calls its scales "the absolute minimum numbers" (MPM §22.1). A yacht with guests up round the clock, tenders and water-sports will need more crew than the MSMD, and the hours-of-rest records will show it.
TIP — More than one MSMD Annex G allows several proposals. Bermuda's guide confirms a ship may hold more than one MSMD, with only the one in force in the ship's file and the others in the master's safe.