Yachts

Q	What is the Large Commercial Yacht Code?
A	This Code of Practice was introduced originally as LY1, in 1988 (as an equivalent approach) to address the requirements of SOLAS, International Load Line Convention (LL65) and the STCW Convention in a yacht specific manner. IMO Circular letter No 2937 dated 13th January 2008 gave effect to LY2 as equivalence on an international basis.

Q	How does the Code of Practice of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels relate to the Term LY1 and LY2?
A	LY1 is the abbreviated term used to refer to the original Large Commercial Yacht Code which came into effect in December 1998. LY2 is the abbreviated term for the revised Code, which came into effect in September 2004.

Q	When do I need to comply with the Code of Practice for Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels?
A	When the yacht is engaged in commercial activities, such as chartering out.

Q	Can I comply with the Commercial Yacht Code on a voluntary basis?
A	Yes, many owners will build to the Code or bring their yachts into the Code, for a number of reasons, including the peace of mind of knowing their yacht complies with an internationally recognised safety standard. Other reasons include vessel resale value maximisation and risk mitigation.

Q	What International Conventions apply to Yachts ?
A	Certification applicable to yachts can be found in the Matrix

Q	What are the requirements for maintaining Large Commercial Yacht Certificates once these are issued?
A	Large Commercial Yacht Certificates are valid for a maximum of 5 years subject to periodic inspections followed by a renewal survey at the end of 5 years.

Q	What happens if the periodical vessel inspections are not carried out?
A	The periodic inspections must be carried out within 3 months either side of the anniversary date, which corresponds to the expiry date of the certificate otherwise the certificate becomes invalid.

Q	Does the yacht have to be on the Commercial Vessel Register to be able to Charter?
A	Yes, the yacht must have valid Large Commercial Yacht Certificates appropriate to the size of the vessel and be manned in accordance with Isle of Man Ship Registry Regulations and LY2 requirements.

Q	Can a yacht switch between Commercial Yacht and Pleasure Yacht Registration on a regular basis
A	Yes. However, a yacht can only be issued with one Certificate of Registry at any one time. In order for the yacht to be registered as a commercial vessel it must be in possession of valid certificates appropriate to its size. For yachts over 500GT, this includes, but is not limited to, a Safety Management Certificate, an International Ship Security Certificate, a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) and a Minimum Safe Manning Document. These Certificates must remain valid for the duration of the period that the yacht remains registered as a commercial vessel. The Certificate of Registry which is not in current use must be returned to the Isle of Man Ship Registry but can then be re-issued on application.

Can a yacht switch between Commercial Yacht and Pleasure Yacht Registration on a regular basis

Yes. However, a yacht can only be issued with one Certificate of Registry at any one time. In order for the yacht to be registered as a commercial vessel it must be in possession of valid certificates appropriate to its size. For yachts over 500GT, this includes, but is not limited to, a Safety Management Certificate, an International Ship Security Certificate, a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) and a Minimum Safe Manning Document. These Certificates must remain valid for the duration of the period that the yacht remains registered as a commercial vessel. The Certificate of Registry which is not in current use must be returned to the Isle of Man Ship Registry but can then be re-issued on application.

Q	Does the MARPOL Convention apply to Yachts?
A	Yes, MARPOL applies to all vessels, commercial and pleasure.

Q	Is the COLREG applicable to Yachts?
A	Yes, the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) prescribes safe measures for visibility, navigation and sound signalling to ensure safe navigation for all users of the world’s oceans.