Updated MCA Guidance on Overside Working Systems for Vessels

By
Mfame Editor
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11

  • MCA publishes Marine Guidance Note MGN 578 (M) Amendment 3 on overside working systems for yachts, small commercial and loadline vessels.

  • Mandatory guidance applies to installation, operation and maintenance of overside working systems.

  • Amendment 3 updates referenced standards and replaces Amendment 2.

  • Annexes detail relevant legislation, testing criteria and requirements for single-person systems.

According to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Marine Guidance Note MGN 578 (M) Amendment 3, issued on 16 December 2025, updated guidance has been published on the use of overside working systems for working over the side and at height on commercial yachts, small commercial vessels and loadline vessels. The guidance replaces MGN 578 (M) Amendment 2 and should be read alongside the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) Chapter 17 and the Red Ensign Yacht Code (Annex B).

Scope and Purpose

The guidance outlines requirements for overside working systems — including “rail and car” or “rail and trolley” systems, harnesses, lanyards, fall arresters and anchoring points — used to facilitate work outside conventional guardrails for maintenance and cleaning. It emphasises that systems must be certified and suitable for supporting personnel.

Owners and employers are responsible for ensuring that new systems meet current BS/EN standards, that installations follow manufacturer instructions, and that existing equipment has been verified to an equivalent standard with appropriate maintenance arrangements in place.

Installation Requirements

Newly installed overside working systems, anchoring points, and attachments must be tested, certified and approved to recognised fall protection standards such as EN 795:2012 Type D (or subsequent revision) and bear UKCA marking or equivalent. Manufacturer instructions — including specifics on fixings, torque limits and load parameters — must be followed and documented upon completion of every installation

Operational Controls

Before use, employers are required to consider alternative methods for the task, conduct risk assessments, and develop suitable rescue plans. Crew must be competent in equipment use and aware of safety requirements. Overside systems must not be used while the vessel is underway, and correct personal protective equipment (PPE) must be utilised at all times. The guidance also specifies that systems should not be used to support fenders or tenders due to risk of dynamic loading.

Maintenance and Testing

The guidance calls for maintenance information to be obtained from manufacturers and kept on board. Certified anchor devices that pre-date current standards may remain valid, but uncertified or modified equipment must be assessed and approved. Overside systems subjected to damage or dynamic loading must be removed from service and reviewed before reuse.

Annexes — Legislation and System Standards

Annex 1 lists relevant Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels health and safety regulations. Annex 2 provides details on static and dynamic testing procedures for anchor devices and rail systems, while Annex 3 outlines certification and testing requirements for single-person overside systems, including load limits and installation testing protocols. For operators, surveyors and vessel owners, MGN 578 (M) Amendment 3 reinforces safety expectations and compliance standards for overside working systems — ensuring equipment is fit for purpose, installed correctly and maintained to recognised standards.

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Source – Maritime & Coastguard Agency