UK ports, harbours, marinas and other marine facilities can now lodge declarations under the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code, following the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s launch of the 2026–2028 compliance exercise on 1 January. The submission window runs for three months, with declarations due by 31 March 2026 via an online process.
While the Code is not a legal requirement, the MCA and devolved administrations express a strong expectation that operators will incorporate its requirements within safety management systems. Every three years, the Duty Holder is asked to submit a declaration of compliance to the Agency.
Declarations are submitted through a GOV.UK online form for this cycle. A signed statement from the Duty Holder confirming compliance must be uploaded; the new format requires the form to be completed in a single session and it cannot be paused or saved.
MIN 641 (M) Amendment 1 sets proportional, risk‑based expectations. Smaller, low‑activity sites are not expected to mirror the resourcing and documentation of large commercial ports, but all must evidence an accountability structure, risk assessment and a Marine Safety Management System, incident reporting, emergency response arrangements and a Designated Person.
Statutory Harbour Authorities are not required to certify or audit tenant facilities or submit declarations on their behalf. They should engage with operators within their limits, maintain current registers, use bridging documents or memorandums of understanding where appropriate, and encourage timely submissions.
The Code was updated and retitled in April 2025 to ‘Ports and marine facilities safety code’, setting a national standard that applies to harbour authorities and other marine facilities. It should be read alongside the 2025 Guide to Good Practice on port and marine facilities.
For operators, the near‑term focus is operational. Confirm the Duty Holder who will sign the declaration, ensure a Designated Person is appointed, and verify that risk assessments and the Marine Safety Management System align with the Code before filing.
The MCA frames this as an opportunity for facilities of all sizes to review, assess and demonstrate proportional alignment with the Code, supporting a sustained focus on safety and continuous improvement across the sector.
The current cycle runs from 1 January to 31 March 2026, and the Marine Information Note expires on 31 March 2026. Queries about the exercise can be sent to UK Technical Services Navigation at navigationsafety@mcga.gov.uk.