SCMS

SCMS We are an MCA Approved Certifying Authority who inspect and Certificate Small Commercial Vessels and Workboats under 24 meters.

An MCA Approved Certifying Authority.

Certified and ready! Celebrating our first vessel certificated under the new Sport or Pleasure Code. If you want to find...
27/03/2026

Certified and ready! Celebrating our first vessel certificated under the new Sport or Pleasure Code.

If you want to find out more or need to book a survey -

Visit us at www.scmshq.org

Call us on 02380 016494

Email us at [email protected]

Workboat Code 3 came into force on December 2023 and will apply to all workboats. The compliance deadline for the majori...
03/03/2026

Workboat Code 3 came into force on December 2023 and will apply to all workboats. The compliance deadline for the majority of vessels is 13th December 2026.
Don’t leave it until the last minute. To be compliant, you will need to:
✔️ Be surveyed by an approved surveyor or certifying authority
✔️ Be found compliant with all new requirements
✔️ Have all documentation submitted and reviewed
✔️Receive your new certificate before the deadline

We are sending out reminders to all of our customers with a years notice, but if you are unsure of your vessels deadline to comply with Workboat Code 3 please get in touch with us

⚠️ Important: Your vessel is only valid for commercial operation once the new certificate has been issued.
Surveyors will be busier than normal as the deadline approaches, so now is the time to act.
Book your survey early: https://www.scmshq.org/find-examiner/

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve updated how we send our annual paperwork.All annual documentation wil...
02/02/2026

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve updated how we send our annual paperwork.
All annual documentation will now be sent paperless via email.

While new vessel full term and renewal documents will still be sent by both post and email.

This change helps us reduce our carbon footprint and remains fully aligned with MCA requirements.
A positive step toward a more sustainable future.

We have moved! We’re now based at 11 Mill Court, The Sawmills, Durley, Southampton SO32 2EJ.Please send paperwork to our...
29/01/2026

We have moved!
We’re now based at 11 Mill Court, The Sawmills, Durley, Southampton SO32 2EJ.
Please send paperwork to our new address.

If you’ve recently posted something to our old address, don't worry — our postie has the redirect covered 👍

New MCA Sport or Pleasure Code Published 🚤The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published its new Sport or Pleasure...
09/01/2026

New MCA Sport or Pleasure Code Published 🚤

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published its new Sport or Pleasure Code, the new rules went live 12 December 2025, starting with new vessels entering the code for the first time, and gradually applying to others at certificate renewal.

The new code reflects the growing diversity of commercial craft, as well as incorporating safety recommendations. It also Supports innovation and alternative fuels to aid decarbonisation.

Most workboats will need to be fully compliant with Workboat Code 3 by 13 December 2026. This applies specifically to wo...
13/12/2025

Most workboats will need to be fully compliant with Workboat Code 3 by 13 December 2026. This applies specifically to workboats, not all small commercial vessels — so if you operate a workboat, this update is for you.

What you need to do
The key message: don’t leave compliance to the last minute.
Meeting the deadline is not just about booking a survey. To hold a valid certificate under Workboat Code 3 by 13 December 2026, your vessel must:

Be surveyed by an approved surveyor or Certifying Authority
Be found fully compliant with all applicable Workboat Code 3 requirements
Have all documentation submitted and reviewed
Receive the new certificate before the deadline
Only once the new certificate is issued will your vessel remain valid for commercial operation.

⚠️ No extensions available
There are no deadline extensions. If your vessel does not complete the full process in time, it will be left without a valid certificate and cannot operate commercially until certification is complete.

Why early action is critical
Surveyors and Certifying Authorities will face a major surge in demand as we get closer to the deadline. Delays are inevitable — so acting early is the best way to avoid being stuck in the queue and unable to operate.

We’re excited to announce ~ Our New Website Is Live!We've refreshed our look and made it easier to navigate through the ...
23/10/2025

We’re excited to announce ~ Our New Website Is Live!
We've refreshed our look and made it easier to navigate through the site, as well as adding new pages!

A huge thank you to Eldo Web Design Ltd for the fantastic web design and support in bringing our vision to life.

We’d love your feedback — take a look and let us know what you think!

www.scmshq.org

We had the pleasure of being invited to the Netherlands last week by the renowned Dutch shipbuilder, Damen, to attend th...
06/10/2025

We had the pleasure of being invited to the Netherlands last week by the renowned Dutch shipbuilder, Damen, to attend their annual event, Damenfest. It was a fantastic opportunity to step aboard a variety of their vessels and get a behind-the-scenes look at their impressive HQ operations.

Our team members, Nick Gladwell and Debra Obee, thoroughly enjoyed connecting with other maritime professionals and exploring the latest in shipbuilding innovation.

A big thank you to Damen for the warm hospitality and an inspiring visit!

Friday marked the grand opening of the Southampton Boat Show — right on our doorstep!Our team member Debra headed down t...
22/09/2025

Friday marked the grand opening of the Southampton Boat Show — right on our doorstep!
Our team member Debra headed down to catch up with some of the fantastic people we work with, including Walcon Marine Limited, Cheetah Marine Catamarans, and Wetwheels Solent.

For the second year running, the amazing Wetwheels Solent crew invited her aboard their adapted vessel for a quick trip around the Solent — making time on the water enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

Thanks for having me aboard again, Skipper Dan! 🚤👏

Amazing to see one of the vessels we certify launched 🍾
11/09/2025

Amazing to see one of the vessels we certify launched 🍾

Our team had the incredible opportunity to spend a day sailing aboard CatZero! Our Head of Fishing Vessel, Richard Black...
11/09/2025

Our team had the incredible opportunity to spend a day sailing aboard CatZero!

Our Head of Fishing Vessel, Richard Blackhurst, thoroughly enjoyed the experience on the 72 ft sailing yacht!

We're proud sponsors of CatZero - a UK based personal development charity supporting people of all ages, including young people and veterans, to overcome challenges and find pathways into employment or training within the industry.

Proud to Sponsor CatZeroWe are delighted to support CatZero, a pioneering charity that's been transforming lives since 2...
14/08/2025

Proud to Sponsor CatZero

We are delighted to support CatZero, a pioneering charity that's been transforming lives since 2009. CatZero works with young people, families, veterans, and long-term unemployed individuals, empowering them through tailored personal development programmes. These include a unique blend of land-based training and an unforgettable sailing adventure aboard their 72-foot “Category Zero” yacht—designed to help participants overcome barriers, boost confidence, and find meaningful pathways into education, training, or employment.

Over the past 15 years, CatZero has engaged over 2,000 people, with an enduring ethos ~ “Once CatZero: Always CatZero”.

We are honoured to be a sponsor of CatZero through our Benevolent Fund. We share in their commitment to create lasting, personal change to fuel futures and build stronger communities together.

From all our team thank you for the plaque and letter of recognition!

To find out more visit their site: https://catzero.org/

Address

Ground Floor Unit 5, Prospect House, Ocean Way
Southampton
SO143TJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

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