The agreement between the parties sees the MCA agreeing to exemptions to certain Merchant Shipping Regulations for life saving appliances and fire protection.

The three bodies agreed equivalent standards of safety that avoid possible conflict with the RCD and takes account of readily available equipment in common use by private boat owners.

Unlike the Merchant Shipping Regulations, the agreed equivalent standards require boats to carry VHF radio and this means of summoning help is reflected in the scale of equipment required, which varies according to the distance from the coast that the vessel will be operating.

The MCA has issued general exemptions, to Class XII vessels from the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Small Craft) Regulations 1998 and the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances For Ships Other Than Ships Of Classes III To VI(A)) Regulations 1999, provided that they comply with the agreed equivalent standards available form the RYA Technical Unit.

This gives owners a choice of direct compliance with the existing MS Regulations or the equivalent standards.