PMA ratifies Passenger Yacht Code of Red Ensign Group

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has announced that the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) of the Red Ensign Group has been ratified.

The code prescribes standards of safety and pollution prevention, which are appropriate to the size and type of yacht. The standards applied are either set by the relevant international conventions or by equivalent standards where it is not reasonable or practicable for yachts to comply.

The idea for ratification came from Hubel Marine BV that registered the award-winning Mega Yacht Legend under the Panama Ship Registry. Built as a Class 1 icebreaking ship, Legend has been converted at the Icon Shipyard into a charter yacht. Legend is capable of carrying 26 guests in total luxury, without losing her safety and strength as an icebreaker.

Hubel Marine registered the vessel in Panama at the request of Dutch owner Jan Verkerk. During the registration and classification process Hubel Marine realised the need for Panama to ratify the PYC to serve this specific market of luxury charter yachts.

The PYC is an agreed upon set of standards, designed specifically for luxury yachts, which provides the same level of safety as that of a Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) passenger vessel, but also ensures that the owner can get the greatest amount of enjoyment from their vessel. The code sets out technical, safety and operational standards appropriate to the size and operation of the vessels, and is divided into to parts.

Part A applies to yachts which are 24 metres and over in load line length, are in commercial use for sport or pleasure, do not carry cargo and do not carry more than 12 passengers.

Part B applies to pleasure yachts of any size, in private use or engaged in trade, which carry more than 12 but not more than 36 passengers and which do not carry cargo.

The PYC will be implemented by January 2019.

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