The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has opened a three‑month compliance window for UK ports, harbours, marinas and other marine facilities to declare alignment with the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code (PMSC). The online submission opened on 1 January 2026 and closes on 31 March 2026.
The exercise forms part of the 2026–2028 cycle and applies across the UK. While the Code is not statutory, it is endorsed by the UK Government and devolved administrations, which set a clear expectation that organisations managing marine operations will incorporate the Code into their safety systems and confirm compliance every three years.
Responsibility for the return rests with each organisation’s Duty Holder, who must confirm compliance to the MCA through a signed statement. Each facility submits its own declaration; Statutory Harbour Authorities are not required to file on behalf of tenant terminals or other third‑party marine facilities within their jurisdiction.
‘Proportional alignment’ means applying the Code in a way that fits local risks, scale and operations. Government guidance describes the Code as to be used appropriately and proportionately, with risk controls calibrated using established principles such as ALARP to ensure risks are reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.
In practical terms, organisations should ensure their Marine Safety Management System is current, risk assessments are reviewed, the designated person has clear reporting access, and arrangements for pilotage, vessel traffic services and training are documented. Where facilities operate within a harbour authority’s area, managers should engage with that authority to clarify the scope of the harbour’s safety management system and any interface responsibilities.
The submission process uses a new online format for this cycle and must be completed in a single session. Applicants are required to upload a signed Duty Holder declaration as part of the form. Queries about the process should be sent to navigationsafety@mcga.gov.uk.
MIN 641 sets out the compliance process for 2026–2028, including that declarations should be made via the GOV.UK form and received by 31 March 2026. It also states that neighbouring organisations may support one another but are not responsible for each other’s compliance unless a specific agreement exists.
In launching the drive, the MCA framed the exercise as an opportunity for ports and marine facilities to review, assess and demonstrate alignment with the Code, with an emphasis on continuous improvement across the sector-irrespective of size or role.
For Duty Holders, the immediate actions are administrative and time‑bound: prepare the signed statement, collate evidence of proportionate controls, and coordinate with adjoining organisations where responsibilities overlap. The invitation to participate will remain available on GOV.UK until 31 March 2026.