In recent news, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has made it clear that there are no intentions to alter the requirement for marine equipment going on board UK vessels to be UK approved. This decision, which came into force on January 1 of this year, signifies a significant departure from the practices of other government departments within the maritime industry.
The key regulation requires all marine equipment placed on UK-flagged vessels to bear a UK mark, indicating adherence to strict quality and safety standards. This aligns with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirement that all safety and counter-pollution equipment on ships should be approved by the flag administration of that particular vessel.
Nevertheless, there are a few exceptions to this rule. ‘Spare’ parts of equipment are still allowed, and EU-approved equipment manufactured before January 1, 2023, can be used provided they meet specific additional criteria.
One of the main reasons behind these new rules is to give the UK the flexibility to diverge from EU regulations when deemed necessary. This will enable the UK to be more adaptable to the evolving needs of the maritime industry while continuing to comply with IMO requirements. With the UK no longer having a mechanism to influence EU approval standards, the decision to require UK-approved equipment aims to prevent any potential breach of international obligations.
Pete Rollason, Ship Construction and Equipment Lead at the MCA, emphasized the significance of the UK having its own marine equipment approval system. He stated that this autonomy allows the UK to stay in line with international requirements as they evolve and act accordingly. This is a unique approach compared to most other product sectors.
The maritime industry made it clear that maintaining the deadline for implementing the UK regime was crucial. Many companies within the equipment sector had already invested in preparing for this change, and the requirement coming into effect at the start of the year was essential for continuity and planning.
Since the UK implemented its own marine equipment regime, it has been successful in meeting IMO implementation dates for specific standards concerning certain types of marine equipment. In contrast, other flag administrations have struggled to meet these deadlines.
The UK currently holds a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the US administration for certain types of marine equipment. This means that conformity assessment bodies in either market can evaluate goods for the other market and issue relevant approvals. This agreement strengthens international cooperation and ensures a smoother flow of goods between the two countries.
The Importance of UK Approval
The decision by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to require UK approval for marine equipment is driven by various factors:
- Compliance with International Standards: By requiring UK approval, the UK ensures that its vessels adhere to the latest international safety and quality standards set by the IMO.
- Autonomy and Adaptability: Having its own approval system gives the UK the ability to respond to changing industry needs and adapt to new developments swiftly.
- Mitigating Risks: Relying solely on EU-approved equipment could expose the UK to potential risks of not meeting its international obligations post-Brexit.
- Ensuring Certainty: The maritime industry benefits from certainty and consistency in regulations, allowing businesses to plan and invest with confidence.
- Maintaining Competitiveness: The ability to diverge from EU regulations when necessary ensures that the UK remains competitive and innovative in the global maritime market.
