About Us
MECAL was founded in 1993 as Marine Engineers Certifying Authority Ltd by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), and we continue to maintain close links with the Industry Groups.
Since its formation, MECAL has grown to become one of the UK’s leading Certifying Authorities, directly authorised by the UK Department for Transport through the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), as well as by Red Ensign Group Flag States including Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, to undertake survey, certification, and compliance activities. Our authorisations cover commercial vessels and workboats up to 24 metres Load Line Length, as well as larger vessels under specific delegation.
MECAL currently certifies in excess of 1,900 commercial vessels, with a growing proportion of our fleet comprising larger and more technically complex workboats, novel and specialist craft. Our scope of certification includes Workboat Code Annex 1 (Electrical and Hybrid Propulsion Systems), Annex 2 (Remotely Operated and Unmanned Vessels), and Commercial Fishing Vessels.
In addition, MECAL is authorised as a Naval Authority Recognised Organisation (NARO) by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), enabling us to undertake plan approval, survey, and certification of vessels under statutory regulations accepted by the MOD for the issue of MOD Boats Certificates.
We operate an extensive network of surveyors and naval architects across the UK, Europe, and internationally. Our personnel include highly experienced and former class society and MCA surveyors and naval architects, bringing a depth of experience and a strong understanding of applying recognised industry standards in a pragmatic and proportionate manner within the small commercial vessel sector. Our professional standards are aligned with MCA appointment criteria and supported by a robust Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework in accordance with Engineering Council principles.
MECAL’s activities are governed through its Technical and Professional Standards Committees, operating within a comprehensive Quality Management System. A core function of the Technical Committee is the development and issuance of technical guidance to our global network of surveyors, naval architects, and specialists, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of the Codes of Practice while providing ongoing technical support.
Our commitment to robust ISO quality procedures underpins everything we do and enables us to deliver a consistent, efficient, and reliable service to all clients.
MECAL can provide independent guidance and technical support to owners, designers, and builders across all stages of a commercial vessel’s lifecycle — from concept and design through construction, certification, and operational compliance. This is delivered by a highly experienced team comprising former flag state and classification society surveyors, naval architects, and marine engineers, with extensive practical knowledge of commercial, workboat, fishing vessel, and specialist craft operations.
We can support in vessel design suitability and oversee construction in line with applicable Codes of Practice and other recognised international standards, applying a pragmatic and proportionate approach grounded in real-world operational experience in finding appropriate solutions.
All work is coordinated through our head office to ensure consistency, quality, and technical integrity across our services. This approach is governed by our LR Accredited ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and supported by our Technical and Professional Standards Committees. Our head office team is known for its responsive, professional approach and a strong reputation for clear communication.
