The highest level of UK law. Acts contain fundamental requirements and often grant power to Government Ministers to create more detailed regulations.

These contain the majority of UK laws. Statutory Instruments are created on the orders of Government Ministers who have that power granted by Parliament by an Act.

M Notices publicise to the shipping and fishing industries important safety, pollution prevention; and other relevant information. • Merchant Shipping Notices (MSNs) often contain the fine detail of UK law and are legally enforceable when referred to by a Statutory Instrument. • Marine Guidance Notes (MGNs) give guidance and strong recommendations about best practice to industry on interpretation of law and general safety advice. • Marine Information Notes (MINs) provide less important time limited information and changes of address after which they expire.

These books contain the MCA's interpretation of the relevant regulations. They also contain practical details of design and testing requirements to be considered when approval for new ship board arrangements is requested.

These are a mix of legally enforceable rules, together with guidance on the interpretation of those rules. They may be considered as MSNs combined with Guidance for surveyors.

Maritime Security Branch applies the MCA's International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) policy.   To maintain consistency in the delivery of ISPS to our customers, we issue guidance on security matters.  We liase on protective security issues with the Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate (TRANSEC), the Department for Transport and other Government Departments

The UK Ship Register - part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency - is one of the best performing flags in the major Port State Control regimes with a reputation for maintaining the highest international standards.

Guidance and Regulations

Windfarms, Helicopter Trials, North Hoyle Windfarm Report, Windfarm Shipping Route Template, and Guidance.

Hydrography is broadly defined as "the measurement and description of the features of the sea and coastal areas for the primary purpose of navigation and all other marine purposes and activities"

Vessel Traffic Monitoring, Charts & Nautical Publications, Navigational Warnings.

Papers from the MCA Navigation Safety Meetings.

IMO Meeting Documents

Link to IMO Circulars Webpage

Information about decisions taken at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that impact on internationally agreed mandatory regulations and Codes. Here you will be able to access an alphabetical list of the amendments to IMO mandatory provisions that will enter into force on or after 27th December 2007. Details of new, or changes to existing, Mandatory Routeing and Reporting measures outside of UK waters are not included in this Table.

Guidance on FSA for use in IMO rule making processes.