Inland waters workboats were historically certificated under a Fitness for Purpose (FFP) scheme administered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA in conjunction with the various Inland Navigation Licensing Authorities (INLA).
Following the MCA’s withdrawal from this scheme in 2011, MECAL has continued to undertake surveys and issue certification for inland waters vessels under FFP and other recognised inland standards, including the Thames Freight Standard and equivalent local authority requirements.
MECAL is authorised to support vessels operating in Categorised Waters, as defined in MSN 1837, and applies the relevant MCA guidance contained in MGN 469 when assessing vessels operating in these waters. This enables a proportionate, risk-based approach to certification that reflects the vessel’s construction, operation, and environmental exposure.
In addition, MECAL can certify non-passenger vessels in accordance with MGN 469, including workboats and service craft operating in categorised and inland waters, where the guidance is applicable.
For smaller passenger-carrying vessels operating on inland or categorised waters, MECAL can apply the Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code (up to a maximum of 12 passengers) and issue certification to satisfy the requirements of the relevant authority.
