What each flag requires
The rules depend on the yacht’s flag and whether it is used commercially. We confirm them in writing for your yacht before we start.
| Flag | Use | Safety management system | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK and other Red Ensign registers, including Cayman Islands (REG Yacht Code Part A) | Commercial, under 500 GT | Compulsory. Chapter 23A: “All vessels under 500GT shall employ a safety management system”. | At least once every three years (section 23A.16) |
| Marshall Islands (MI-103 Yacht Code) | Commercial, under 500 GT | Compulsory. Section 1.11.3: yachts under 500 GT must “implement and maintain a mini-ISM system” (Annex 1). | At intervals of no more than 12 months (MN 2-011-49, section 2.1.1) |
| Malta (Commercial Yacht Code 2025) | Commercial, under 500 GT | Recommended (voluntary). Section 21.1.5: the flag “strongly recommends” it; an RO or authorised surveyor may audit it and issue a Statement of Compliance. | Not fixed by the code; we suggest once a year |
| Private yachts (any of these flags) | Private use only | Voluntary. Many owners still choose one. | By choice; we suggest once a year |
What we do
- Talk – a short call about the yacht, its flag, how it is used and its crew.
- Write – we write the system to your flag’s code, in plain English and sized to the yacht: safety and environmental policy, responsibilities, emergency procedures, drills, reporting, maintenance and records.
- Set up – we come on board, take the crew through it and run the first drills with them.
- Hand over – the master and crew sign it in, and we name our Designated Person Ashore (DPA) in it.
- Review – we review it as often as the flag requires, and sooner if the yacht, crew or use changes.
Reviews
- Red Ensign: at least once every three years (REG Yacht Code Part A, section 23A.16)
- Marshall Islands: at intervals of no more than 12 months (MN 2-011-49)
- Malta and private yachts: not fixed; we suggest once a year
Your shore contact
Our Designated Person Ashore (DPA), Henning Heltberg, is a retired Master Mariner based ashore in the UK. He is the named shore contact in each client yacht’s safety management system. The master keeps overriding authority on board. We can also act as your yacht’s competent person.
Charter and private
Charter yachts are a key focus for us: we know the commercial codes, the inspections and what a busy season with guests on board asks of the crew. We understand private yachts just as well, where the owner’s privacy, programme and standards set the pace.
Yachts of 500 GT and over
Larger yachts fall under the full ISM Code. We look after them too, with full ISM and technical management: see ISM Management, 500 GT and over.
What is not included
Flag, Recognised Organisation and surveyor fees are charged at cost. External crew training courses are delivered by approved providers and invoiced at cost.
Price. Set-up included free with a 12-month Safety Management (Tier A) contract (€1,250 per month, ex VAT), or as a stand-alone set-up for €3,500 plus travel. If a Tier A contract ends early, a pro-rata share of the set-up fee is repayable. Gap analysis €3,500 plus travel; internal audits €950 per day. See all prices.
Questions owners and captains ask
Does my yacht need one?
If it is a commercial yacht under 500 GT on the UK or another Red Ensign register, or on the Marshall Islands register, yes. On Malta it is strongly recommended. For private yachts it is voluntary, but many owners still want one. See the table above.
What does the set-up cost?
€3,500 plus travel as a stand-alone job: we write the system, tailor it to the yacht and set it up on board with your crew. It is included free when you sign a 12-month Safety Management (Tier A) contract. If that contract ends early, a pro-rata share of the set-up fee is repayable. Stand-alone reviews are priced on request.
Is this the same as the full ISM Code?
No. The full ISM Code applies to commercial yachts of 500 GT and over, and we manage those too. Under 500 GT the flags ask for a simpler, yacht-specific system, sometimes called a “mini-ISM”. That is what we write and set up.
Who is our shore contact?
Our Designated Person Ashore (DPA), Henning Heltberg, a retired Master Mariner based in the UK. We can also act as your yacht’s competent person.
Can you just review the system we already have?
Yes. A stand-alone review or gap analysis is available whichever manager wrote your system.
Will a gap analysis be shared with our flag?
No. Your report belongs to you. It is confidential and is shared only with the people you choose.
Read more in our article Safety management for yachts under 500 GT: what the flags require, or see our SMS approach.
Sources
- Red Ensign Group, REG Yacht Code Part A, July 2024 edition, chapter 23A. https://www.redensigngroup.org/media/yzlbtkyi/reg-yc-july-2024-edition-part-a.pdf
- Republic of the Marshall Islands, MI-103 Yacht Code, Chapter II section 1.11 and Annex 1. https://www.register-iri.com/wp-content/uploads/MI-103-2021.pdf
- Republic of the Marshall Islands, Marine Notice 2-011-49, Mini-ISM for yachts under 500 GT. https://www.register-iri.com/wp-content/uploads/MN-2-011-49.pdf
- Transport Malta, Commercial Yacht Code 2025, section 21. https://www.transport.gov.mt/CYC-2025.pdf-f10643
Sources accessed October 2026. This is general information, not legal or regulatory advice; we confirm the rules for each yacht’s flag in writing before we start.