About Us

Mecal’s 24 Years of continued growth

MECAL was founded in 1993 as “Marine Engineers Certifying Authority Ltd” by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology & we still maintain close links with the Small Ships Group of the Institution.

wind farm Windcat workboat

Since then MECAL has grown to become one of the leading Certifying Authorities, directly authorised by the UK Dept for Transport (Maritime & Coastguard Agency) and other Red Ensign Group Flag States, for commercial vessels & workboats up to 24m load line length and for larger vessels under specific delegation.

We are also working with the MCA in the development of the new 500GT Cargo Ship & Workboat Code & in the emerging field of autonomous vessels where we have a particular speciality.

We currently have in excess of 1500 commercial vessels on our register with increasing bias towards the larger complex workboats.

MECAL has an extensive network of surveyors and naval architects in the UK, Europe and Worldwide. Our senior personnel include ex class society & MCA surveyors & naval architects, well versed in applying the high ‘’class’’ standards in this sector. Our professional standards are based on MCA appointment criteria & on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy set by the Engineering Council.

MECAL is driven by its Technical & Professional Standards Committees through it’s comprehensive Quality Assurance system. Part of the Technical Committee function is to issue technical guidance to our worldwide network of surveyors, naval architects & specialists to provide support and to facilitate consistency in interpretation of the Codes of Practice.

Our commitment to our ISO Quality Procedures enables us to provide an accurate and efficient service to all clients and is fundamental to our success.

MECAL is therefore able to provide guidance and support to customers, designers, builders, covering all aspects of commercial vessel design, build and code operation, and assess the design and supervise the build of vessels to class & other internationally recognised standards.

All work is directed from our head office in order to attain and maintain the highest standards and consistency. This is governed by our 1SO9001:2015 QC Accreditation, supported by our Technical and Professional Standards Committees. Our Head office team pride themselves on great customer service, as well as a reputation for a fast turnaround of documentation.

We are monitored and audited by the MCA & other Red Ensign Group Flags to ensure we comply with our Flag/Certifying Authority Agreements. The MECAL technical team take part in meetings with other Certifying Authorities, MCA and REG Flags to try & assure consistency in the application of the Regulations across the industry.

Our dedication towards working with our customers to meet their requirements has shown in our consistent growth throughout our 25+ year history.-

If you have any questions or would like more information on how we support our customers with all aspects of commercial vessel design, build and code operation please get in touch with us.

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