Compliance with MCA MGN 580 (M)

Here's What You Need To Know about Compliance and MGN 580 (M)


The requirements regarding flame retardant treatments and those who apply them onboard vessels certified under the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Large Commercial Yacht Code part A (vessel < 500GT) have improved immensely over the last 20 years. We believe some of the most significant changes occurred when MGN 453 (M) was introduced. The MGN 453 (M) requirements were more stringent and raised the standards of those companies providing this crucial service. At that time, any prior MCA accreditations were revoked and all companies had to be approved and certified in accordance with a new set of procedures to recognise and document what was fire safe. As a result, crews, owners, and guests would benefit from the advancement.

Important Facts to Note

Although the new MGN 580 (M) legislation replaces the previous MGN 453 (M), all vessels with MGN 453 (M) certification will continue to be covered until the renewal date of their certificate. Any future certification will be completed according to the new MGN 580 (M) standard.

To control the approval of these fire retardant treatments, the MCA continues to use MCA Approval Procedures and a Declaration of Conformity for such treatments.

The standards required by those applying flame retardant products to floor coverings, suspended textile materials, upholstery materials, and bedding components are set out in The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 580 (M).

The duration of the MGN 580 (M) Declaration of Conformity is not decided by the MCA, but by the Service Provider.  

The MCA, and therefore all of the REG Flags recommend treatment every 12 months.  Take a look at this article explaining the pros and cons of MGN 580 (M) Declaration of Conformity duration so you can make an informed decision

Timeline of Legislation

  • The first Yacht Code was published by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in 1997

  • LY2 The Large Commercial Yacht Code MSA 010/009/0184 published September 2007

  • LY3 The Large Commercial Yacht Code MS 174/004/055 published August 2012

  • MGN 453(M) came into force on 1st October 2012

  • The Large Yacht Code LY3 combined into The Red Ensign Group Yacht Code known as The REG published Jan 2019.

  • Finally, the most recent amendment has been MGN 580 (M) which came into force in 2020.

Very little has changed in MGN 580 (M) from the previous MGN 453 (M) legislation. As a result, owners, guests, captains, crew, management companies and charter companies, won’t have to do anything new.

We have set out the amendments below in more detail in a QA format.