Navigating Workboat Code 3: Your Essential Guide to Mandatory SMS

A Major Shift for UK Workboat Operators

As of 13th December 2023, the regulatory landscape for UK workboats has fundamentally changed. The UK Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) is now law, representing the most significant update for the sector in a decade. It introduces a critical requirement that was previously only a strong recommendation: the implementation of a formal Safety Management System (SMS).

This guide provides a clear, strategic path to compliance, helping you turn a regulatory requirement into an operational advantage. We'll break down what this new mandatory SMS means for your operations, what you need to do to comply, and how to manage the changes effectively without being overwhelmed by paperwork.

What is the Workboat Code Edition 3?

Workboat Code Edition 3 is a new Code of Practice given legal effect by "The Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023". It applies to workboats, pilot boats, and Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels (ROUVs) under 24 metres in load line length that are operating commercially.

Its primary goal is to create a single, unified, and clear set of standards for the industry. The MCA's rationale for this update was to resolve ambiguities and inconsistencies that had evolved over years of operating under previous codes.

The Headline Change: Your SMS is Now Mandatory

The most significant change under WBC3 is the mandatory requirement for all certified vessels to implement a Safety Management System. The critical takeaway for all operators is the shift from recommendation to legal obligation, with firm deadlines for implementation:

• Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels (ROUVs): Required to have an SMS since WBC3 came into force
• All Other Vessels: Must implement a proportionate SMS by 13 December 2026

Official guidance on meeting these new requirements is available from the MCA in the document "MGN 710 (M)".

What a WBC3-Compliant SMS Looks Like in Practice

In practical terms, implementing a compliant SMS means you must formally manage and document key aspects of your vessel's operations:

Documented Safety Policies & Procedures

Your company's rulebook, defining responsibilities and safe operating parameters that form the foundation of your entire safety culture.

• Equipment Maintenance Records - An auditable history proving all safety-critical equipment is inspected, serviced, and functions as intended.

• Crew Training & Familiarisation - Verifiable records confirming crew hold the necessary certifications and have been formally familiarised with the specific vessel they are operating.

• Drill Schedules & Logs - Documented evidence that emergency drills are regularly planned, executed, and reviewed.

• Incident Reporting - A formal system to investigate accidents and near-misses, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.

• Hours of Rest Compliance - A robust system for tracking work and rest hours to prevent fatigue, critical under the Maritime Labour Convention.

• Defect Tracking & Resolution - A closed-loop system providing a complete audit trail for any vessel defects.

• Official Logbook Entries - Meticulous maintenance of the vessel's official journey and operational records.

The Challenge: Managing Compliance

For busy operators, these new mandatory requirements present a significant administrative challenge. Traditional paper-based approaches are inefficient and prone to error. The core challenge of WBC3 is not just performing these safety tasks, but proving they have been performed.

A Modern Solution for Modern Workboats

A digital SMS is the most efficient and reliable way to meet the new WBC3 requirements. SeaReady SMS is the complete digital SMS for workboats, designed for daily use by the crew on any device. It works offline and syncs automatically, ensuring no data is lost.

SeaReady Audit provides shore-side oversight for owners and fleet managers, with fleet-wide compliance status, audit-ready reports, and instant alerts for critical items.

Stay Ahead of Your Next Audit

Workboat Code Edition 3 is now in effect, and a formal Safety Management System is a legal requirement with a clear deadline. Embracing a digital solution transforms compliance from a periodic scramble into being "always audit-ready," saving time, reducing operational risk, and securing your operation's future.