The Marine & Coastguard Agency is seeking your views on updates to Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 627 amendment 1, which provides an overview of the changes made by the Merchant Shipping (Safety Standards for Passenger Ships on Domestic Voyages) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2022 (colloquially known as the “Grandfather Rights Regulations”) and its associated Marine Notices.
Since the publication of MGN 627 Amendment 1, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has received several queries on the requirements contained therein. While these queries have been addressed on a case-by-case basis, it is believed that it would be beneficial to update the MGN to provide clarity on the issues which have been brought to light. This will help to promote reader understanding, as well as consistency in application across the UK.
Please find attached the draft MGN 627 Amendment 2, which contains the following enhancements:
a) additional text in paragraph 2.3 to clarify that lifejackets (and, where applicable, Buoyancy Aids) on all relevant passenger vessels operating on Category C and D waters be fitted with approved, automatically activated lights;
b) text in paragraph 2.4 on fire detection requirements is amended to align more closely with the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Small Ships) Regulations 1998;
c) text in paragraph 2.5 on fixed firefighting amended to clarify that, where the requirement for a fixed firefighting system is satisfied by the use of an aerosol fixed firefighting system, the system shall be installed in accordance with section 5 of MGN 657 (M/F) - Requirements for fixed aerosol fire extinguishing systems for use in small vessel machinery spaces, as amended;
d) text in 2.6 amended to clarify that, although a second means of powered bilge pumping must be powered from a source independent of the main engine pump, the sources of power are not required to be in separate locations;
e) text in paragraph 2.7 amended to align the bilge alarm requirements more closely with the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction: Ships of Classes III to VI(A) Regulations 1998. Additional clarification added to confirm that an alarm may be isolated in certain circumstances.
f) text added to paragraph 2.9 to clarify that a risk assessment is required before some types of vessels may be exempted from the damage stability requirements detailed in Merchant Shipping Notice 1699(M).
Your views are sought in respect of these proposed changes. Please send responses to dpv@mcga.gov.uk. Representative groups are asked to give a summary of the people and organisations they represent, and, where relevant, who else they have consulted in reaching their conclusions.
Responses are welcomed from 5 September to 4 October 2024.
Following the conclusion of this consultation and consideration of the feedback, the updates to this MGN will be finalised.
PDF MGN 627 Amendment 2 - Draft.pdf