Two MCA changes you need to know for your oral exam - 2026
By: Fred, but mainly Emma :-)
❶ New Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code
In force from 12th of December 2025
The new Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code has officially replaced the old MGN 280 system for small commercial vessels.
👉 Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code
What’s Changed?
One consolidated code replaces the old Blue/Yellow/Red codes and MGN 280
Brings it in line with the workboat code
Existing vessels transition at:
Next renewal, or
within 3 years (whichever is later)
Once a vessel transitions, it must comply fully - no mixing old and new standards
❷ New MGM 681 (M) Amendment 1
Published 19th of December 2025
This one is very likely to come up, especially for yacht candidates.
What does it cover?
Fire safety and storage of:
Small electric-powered craft
E-tenders, e-PWC’s, toys and vehicles
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries onboard yachts
Key points examiners are listening for:
Electric craft ≠ petrol craft (different risk profile)
Focus on:
Charging arrangements
Storage spaces
Fire detection
Fire suppression
Awareness that Li-ion batteries behave very differently in a fire scenario
This guidance is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and is intended to align with the Yacht Code - meaning surveyors and examiners are already paying attention.
Don’t get caught out
My job isn’t just to teach new rules - it’s to teach you how to explain historic practice without contradicting an examiner, demonstrate awareness of current MCA expectations, and clearly show that you understand why things have changed.
This matters because students are now facing a real catch-22 in exams: some examiners still frame questions using historic practice, while others (often newer examiners) expect knowledge of the new Code.
Both approaches are valid - if you explain them properly. You’re no longer just being tested on what the rule is, but on why it exists and how it evolved.
So walk into your exam confident, current, and aligned with today’s rules - while speaking the examiner’s language.
