Water transport compliance checklist

Work through Section 1, then the section that matches your kind of operation. If more than one applies, complete each relevant section. Tick off each item once you have confirmed it is in place.

Section 1 — Every water transport business

• Have you identified your general duties as an employer under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and carried out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment (recorded in writing if you employ five or more people)?
• Have you set up arrangements to report shore-side injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences under RIDDOR (to the HSE, or HSENI in Northern Ireland) — and on-board marine accidents to the MAIB?
• Do you hold employers' liability insurance of at least £5 million and make the certificate available?
• Have you met your Equality Act duties, including reasonable adjustments and the retained passenger-rights duties for disabled passengers?
• Have you identified a lawful basis for your personal data (bookings, manifests, crew and CCTV records), set retention periods, and registered with the ICO unless exempt?

Section 2 — Sea-going ships

Complete this section if you operate ships on coastal or international voyages. The sea-going ship guide covers each item.

• Is the ship registered on the UK Ship Register (Part I for merchant ships; the Small Ships Register for vessels under 24m)?
• Has the ship been surveyed by the MCA or a recognised organisation and does it hold valid safety certificates (passenger or cargo ship safety, and a load line certificate if 24m or over)?
• If you operate on international voyages, do you hold an ISM Document of Compliance (company) and Safety Management Certificate (ship)?
• If you carry dangerous or harmful cargo, do you classify, pack, mark, document and stow it to the IMDG Code?
• If you operate on international voyages, does the ship meet the ISPS Code — a ship security assessment and plan, a Ship Security Officer, and an International Ship Security Certificate?
• Does the ship meet the MARPOL pollution-prevention regimes (marine-fuel sulphur limits and, for larger ships, ballast water management)?
• Are arrangements in place to report marine accidents and dangerous occurrences to the MAIB?

Section 3 — Crewing and seafarer certification

• Do your masters, officers and ratings hold the correct MCA certificates of competency or proficiency to the STCW standard?
• Does every seafarer hold a valid ENG1 medical fitness certificate from an MCA-approved doctor?
• Does the ship hold a current Safe Manning Document and carry the crew it requires, including GMDSS-certified radio operators where applicable?
• Do seafarer employment agreements, hours, accommodation and welfare meet the Maritime Labour Convention, with a Maritime Labour Certificate where required?

Section 4 — Inland and categorised waters

• Do you hold a licence from each relevant navigation authority (Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, Broads Authority, or Scottish Canals) and a current Boat Safety Scheme certificate?
• Does the vessel meet the inland-waterway technical standards and hold an inland navigation certificate?
• If you carry passengers, do you operate a Domestic Safety Management Code and hold the categorised-waters Passenger Certificate?
• Does the person in charge hold the appropriate MCA Boatmaster's Licence, and are marine accidents reported to the MAIB?