UK ports to file PMSC compliance by 31 March 2026

UK ports, harbours and marinas are being asked to confirm how they meet the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code, with a three‑month window now open. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in a 2 January update that the voluntary PMSC compliance exercise launched on 1 January 2026 and runs until 31 March 2026, with details published on GOV.UK.

A quick refresher: the PMSC is the framework used across the UK to keep people, vessels, cargo and the environment safe during port and harbour operations. It is not a law, but government and sector bodies expect managers to build it into their safety systems and show how it works in practice.

If you’re a Statutory Harbour Authority, a private port, a marina or another marine facility, your Duty Holder is asked to make a declaration every three years. For this cycle, each organisation should submit its own return; Harbour Authorities are not required to do this for tenant facilities on their estate.

The process is straightforward but time‑bound. Complete the GOV.UK online form between 1 January and 31 March 2026, upload a signed statement from the Duty Holder confirming compliance, and be ready to finish the form in a single sitting as the new format cannot be saved mid‑way.

Why this matters goes beyond paperwork. The MCA frames the exercise as a chance for every facility-large or small-to check its safety practice, demonstrate professionalism and accountability, and strengthen trust with shipping companies, regulators and local communities. It’s about a safety‑first culture as much as ticking boxes.

For learners and teachers, this is a live example of how voluntary codes shape behaviour. Even without statute, a strong expectation to comply-paired with regular, public‑facing declarations-can lift standards across a sector and set clear norms while the law evolves. That’s exactly how the PMSC is used.

If you’re preparing a return, we’d start by confirming who the Duty Holder is and how they oversee marine safety, checking that your risk assessment reflects current operations, and making sure incidents are logged and acted on. We’d also look at training records, how your safety management system works day to day, and that your evidence matches the points your Duty Holder will sign. Aim to secure internal sign‑off well before mid‑March to avoid a last‑minute rush.

There’s a wider story too. Internationally, regulators are updating safety expectations: in the United States, the Coast Guard’s maritime cybersecurity rule took effect on 16 July 2025, with training requirements beginning 12 January 2026-reminding all of us that safety now covers digital as well as physical risks.

Key dates to keep in view: the UK compliance window closes on 31 March 2026. If you’re unsure which category you fall into or what the Duty Holder declaration should cover, check the MCA guidance on GOV.UK and speak to your Harbour Master or the MCA’s Navigation Safety team. Getting it done early reduces stress and helps keep people safe on and around the water.