MCA opens UK PMSC compliance drive until 31 March 2026

Think of a port or small marina. If you work there, study marine operations, or live nearby, the same question matters: is it run safely? The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has begun a three-month compliance exercise inviting ports and marine facilities across the UK to show how they follow the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code (PMSC).

Announced on 1 January 2026 and open until 31 March 2026, the invitation asks organisations to demonstrate how their policies and day-to-day practices align with the Code, according to an MCA notice on GOV.UK. It is voluntary-there is no new law behind it-but it signals to staff, partners and communities that safety is a priority.

The PMSC is designed to support safe and efficient port and harbour operations. It sets expectations around clear accountability for duty holders, risk assessment, staff training, incident learning and coordination with port users. The aim is simple: protect people, vessels, cargo and the environment while keeping trade moving.

Why does a voluntary code matter? Because shared standards help everyone. When a harbour authority or marina follows the PMSC, it shows professionalism and accountability. That builds trust with shipping companies, regulators and local communities, and it encourages the whole sector to keep improving.

The MCA stresses proportionate participation. A major international gateway will evidence compliance differently to a leisure harbour or small marina, but the goal is the same: review what you do, check it against the Code, fix gaps, and record the result. Interim Ports and VTS Manager Keeta Rowlands says this is a proactive chance to align with the Code and strengthen a culture of safety.

What this means in practice: gather the basics that show how you manage risk. That could include a clear safety policy signed by leaders, current risk assessments, training and incident logs, emergency and pollution response plans, and a plan for continuous improvement. If you are studying, try mapping these elements to the Code as a short assignment.

The exercise is not there to catch anyone out. It is an opportunity to take stock, ask honest questions and share evidence at a level that fits your operation. If your facility is still building its approach, you can also set out how you plan to meet the Code and where you may need support.

For people who live and work near the water, compliance has practical benefits. Stronger safety management reduces accidents, keeps ships and small craft moving, protects jobs linked to local ports, and safeguards sensitive coastal environments. When many small sites improve together, the national picture improves too.

Timings are clear. The invitation runs from 1 January to 31 March 2026 on GOV.UK, where the Maritime and Coastguard Agency explains how to take part. Whether you manage a busy port, volunteer at a community harbour, or run a marina, your participation shows that safety is more than words.

For teachers, tutors and apprenticeship leads, this is a ready-made case study. Ask learners to assess a real or hypothetical facility against the PMSC, prioritise three improvements that would reduce risk, and write a short briefing for a harbour master. It turns national guidance into useful practice.