In order to comply with Law in Britain all yachts must comply with the code of practice for charter vessels (COP). The code can be complicated and requires the yacht to undergo several inspections and surveys by an appointed COP Surveyor. (A purchase survey is not acceptable).

The yacht will have to pass a stability calculation to gain a stability certificate; it also has to undergo an underwater inspection, regardless if it has only just had one or even if it is brand new. It then has a survey by an appointed YBDSA surveyor which spends anywhere between ¾ of a day to a full day checking all of the yachts inventory, measurements, instrumentation and structural parts of the yacht to meet COP.

More yacht builders are becoming aware of COP regulations, but there remains certain modifications that need to be carried out which do not come as standard at purchase. When buying a new yacht the modifications can be added to the build process, which is normally the cheapest way of reaching the criteria laid out.

They include:

	Lagging the engine raw water inlet, (this means fire proofing the hoses). If an engine fire were to occur it would melt the seawater inlet pipe which would lead to the yacht taking on water.
	Deck loop all of the plumbing in the heads. This consists of leading the pipes up to deck level to ensure that the plumbing cannot back-siphon, resulting in water ingress into the yacht.
	Strong points fitted within the cockpit for safety harnesses.
	On certain yachts the survey requires the forward hatch to be turned around. Please consult us to find out if this is necessary.
	The washboard requires a securing system when in place.
	Fireproof the cooker surrounds in close proximity to the cooker protecting flammable material i.e. wood.
	Cooker crash bar, safety strop and gas alarm fitted.
	Dual start, a parallel battery master switch that allows the engine batteries to be linked to the domestic ones.
	The ability to raise and lower a storm jib. (Please contact us for further details for the most cost effective method for your yacht)

We are very experienced in putting yachts through the requirements for the code of practice and we can arrange the whole process for you, keeping you informed of the progress throughout.