Restricted category 3

[ALANT]

My boat is coded cat 4, I have had a enquiry from someone wanting to buy it about upping this to cat 3. From previous posts I notice reference to restricted cat 3, what over and above cat 4 does this require? It is so the boat can be used for RYA Advanced powerboat courses.
From looking at the codes it will need a barometer, search light and full weight anchors(which it has) for restricted does it need a enclosure?

[C2 RIBS]

Originally Posted by ALANT

My boat is coded cat 4, I have had a enquiry from someone wanting to buy it about upping this to cat 3. From previous posts I notice reference to restricted cat 3, what over and above cat 4 does this require? It is so the boat can be used for RYA Advanced powerboat courses.
From looking at the codes it will need a barometer, search light and full weight anchors(which it has) for restricted does it need a enclosure?

I am in the same position and have gained some advice. My understanding is that restricted Cat 3 would be on distance from safe haven (3 miles) instead of 20 miles under cat 4. All lifejackets have to have lights etc. This cat 3 retriction is not guaranteed and has to be applied for. Ask your surveyor for help as it is achievable and does not need the enclosure for the restricted area of ops

[Jimbo]

Interesting, I was just poking around on this subject, and I've found a company in London that appear to have a Ribcraft 585 coded to cat 3!

http://www.londonpowerboatschool.com/charter.html

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-dq...ls?code_id=134

[Jimbo]

Again, looks like all of Solent Rib Charters fleet are Cat 3 coded:

http://www.solentribcharter.co.uk/pd..._Bareboat2.pdf

[C2 RIBS]

Seeing their site I wonder if the Cat 3 is for the Thames restriction even though it says otherwise

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Cutlass

Seeing their site I wonder if the Cat 3 is for the Thames restriction even though it says otherwise

Well, the details on the MCA site would appear to imply it is fully Cat 3 coded, and as you correctly point out, their website specifically states "Additionally, MCA category 3 coding allows the vessel to be operated offshore, day and night, up 20 miles from a safe haven."

[Rogue Wave]

i have a feeling that the need for an enclosure for night time use became a requirement recently if the ribs in question were coded 2 years ago it might have been acceptable.

[SeaSkills]

RW is right. I had a Tornado 5.8 coded in 2002 that was fully cat 3, using a fabric canopy that we could put up when needed (for the inspection was the only time!). There is no way that approach would be acceptable now in the new harmonised code that requires a "substantial enclosure".

[ALANT]

the boat will not be going more than a mile offshore but it will at one point be more than 3 miles from a safe haven (by about 0.5 of a mile) It will be used with only 4 people max onboard.
What will be required or is it down to the surveyor/Mecal can they allow 4 miles etc?
Only looking to use for training, I don't want to take out normal paying passengers, a warm fire and a pint seem much more appealing when its dark!
Another question how do you do night time passage for advanced up here in summer when it doesn't really get dark?

[Andy Gee]

Originally Posted by ALANT

the boat will not be going more than a mile offshore but it will at one point be more than 3 miles from a safe haven (by about 0.5 of a mile) It will be used with only 4 people max onboard.
What will be required or is it down to the surveyor/Mecal can they allow 4 miles etc?
Only looking to use for training, I don't want to take out normal paying passengers, a warm fire and a pint seem much more appealing when its dark!
Another question how do you do night time passage for advanced up here in summer when it doesn't really get dark?

You would be better to ask your surveyor/Certifying Authority as exceptions/agreements can be made. Luckly I do not have this problem as the Redbay has a substantial enclosure allowing full Cat3 operation, however I do know of another operator with an open boat who is certified to operate to Cat 3 at night with reduced numbers and providing that all persons on board are wearing a full survival suit.
Andy