The Maritime and Coastguard Agency on 1 January launched a three-month compliance exercise inviting ports and marine facilities to demonstrate alignment with the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code, according to the agency.
The exercise is intended to reinforce standards and support the adoption of safety practices across ports and marine facilities of all sizes in the UK.
The Code provides a framework covering the safety of people, vessels, cargo and the environment and applies to large commercial ports as well as local harbours and marinas.
Participation in the exercise is voluntary and not a legal requirement, the agency said, but facilities are encouraged to assess and demonstrate proportional alignment with the Code in order to reduce risk and operate responsibly.
Interim MCA Ports and VTS Manager Keeta Rowlands said the exercise is “a proactive opportunity for all ports and marine facilities to review, assess, and demonstrate proportional alignment with the Code,” adding that it is aimed at “embedding a culture of safety and continuous improvement across the sector.”
The invitation to participate will be available on GOV.UK until 31 March 2026.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency is an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport responsible for maritime safety, security and environmental protection, including oversight of seafarer standards, vessel certification and coastal search and rescue coordination.
