Open consultation

Amending legislation ensuring watercraft accidents are investigated by MAIB

From:
Department for Transport
Published
3 February 2026

Summary

Seeks views on amending legislation to ensure accidents involving watercraft are investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

Invites comment on amending the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023. The order is being amended to:

  • ensure accidents involving watercraft (any recreational vessel with a motor installed such as a personal watercraft) can be investigated by the MAIB
  • correct minor drafting defects within the order

Documents

Draft Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) (Amendment) Order

HTML

Draft: The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) (Amendment) Order 2026

PDF, 98.9 KB, 3 pages

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Ways to respond

Respond online

or

Email to:

maritimesafety@dft.gov.uk

Write to:

Maritime Safety Team
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR

Updates to this page

Published 3 February 2026

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