Workboat Code 3 Training Manual - 5th Edition - Code of Practice Training Manual
The Workboat Code 3 Training Manual – 5th Edition (2025) is MCA-recognised and fully updated to meet the latest Workboat Code 3 requirements, in force since December 2023. Covering commercial vessels under 24m, pilot boats, passenger/cargo vessels, UK-flagged vessels worldwide, and new unmanned craft, it provides mandatory LSA procedures with space for vessel-specific details in an easy-to-update loose-leaf format.
Proven with no surveyor rejections and endorsed by The Workboat Association, this latest training manual for workboats is essential for operators needing compliance, safe operations, and inspection readiness.
Equip your crew with the most up-to-date 5th version of The Code now recognised by the MCA and other regulatory authorities. The Workboat Code 5th Edition is more than just guidance, it's a working standard that promotes safe, legal, and professional operations across the UK maritime sector. Whether you're operating within UK waters or overseas under a UK flag, compliance with the latest maritime regulations is essential. The Workboat Code 3 came into effect in December 2023, and our fully updated Workboat Code 3 Manual 5th Edition is now available for 2025.
Workboat Code 3 (5th Edition) Applies To:
- Commercial vessels under 24m operating at sea
- Dedicated pilot boats of any size (inland & sea)
- Vessels carrying cargo or up to 12 passengers &/or industrial personnel
- UK vessels worldwide & non-UK vessels in UK waters
- Remotely operated unmanned vessels (keels laid after 13 Dec 2023)
If any of these categories relate to your operation, this latest edition of the Workboat Code 3 Training Manual is essential to have onboard your vessel.
Why is the Workboat Code 3 5th Edition Essential?
The 5th edition reflects the evolving demands of modern maritime operations and introduces updates aligned with current industry standards and safety expectations. Whether supporting port services, transferring crew, or moving offshore cargo, the Workboat Code Edition 5th Edition ensures your operation is:
- Compliant with current UK maritime law
- Prepared for inspections, audits, and certification
- Keeping your crew, clients, and vessel safe
- Covered for insurance and legal responsibilities
As with previous editions, our loose-leaf manual follows Workboat Code 3 requirements, with sections covering the required content. The Code mandates detailed explanations of LSA equipment and procedures, which is now included in the new 5th Edition Workboat Code contents. To ensure compliance, the final section also lets operators add vessel-specific details, with clear guidance provided. And the loose-leaf format makes it easy for you to update as needed.
Our I.C. Brindle manuals have a proven track record of approval, with no known rejections by Administration surveyors, giving you confidence in compliance. Outdated guidance can lead to compliance issues. This latest version is validated, and should be the standard carried onboard all applicable vessels—essential for skippers, vessel managers, safety officers, and operators alike.
Workboat Association Members Discount!
"It is reassuring to know that I.C.Brindle & Co Ltd continue their efforts to support the industry by collating and publishing the Workboat Code 3 Training Manual, the latest volume in the company's well-respected and industry-familiar range of training manuals and on-board aids." - Kerrie Foster, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Workboat Association
The Workboat Association's recognition reinforces our commitment to providing the highest standard in MCA-compliant manuals. Helping operators stay ahead of fast-changing regulations, ensure smooth inspections, reduce compliance risks, and maintain a strong reputation for best practices.
Members with a current subscription to the Workboat Code Association (WA) receive a 10% discount from the RRP!
Technical Information:
- ISBN: 978 - 1 - 905195 - 435
SPECIFICATION
Workboat Code 3 Manual – 5th Edition (2025)
Applies To:
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Commercial vessels under 24m operating at sea
-
Dedicated pilot boats of any size (inland & sea)
-
Vessels carrying cargo / up to 12 passengers &/or industrial personnel
-
UK vessels worldwide & non-UK vessels in UK waters
-
Remotely operated unmanned vessels (keels laid after 13 Dec 2023)
Why Essential:
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Fully updated for 2025 – aligned with Workboat Code 3 (in force since Dec 2023)
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Ensures compliance with UK maritime law
-
Prepares vessels for inspections, audits & certification
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Supports crew, client & vessel safety
-
Protects insurance & legal responsibilities
-
Recognised by MCA & regulatory authorities
Manual Features:
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Loose-leaf format – easy to update and organise
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Structured to follow latest Workboat Code 3 requirements
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Includes mandatory LSA equipment explanations & procedures
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Final section for vessel-specific details with guidance
-
Proven approval record – no known rejections by Administration surveyors
Industry Recognition:
-
Endorsed by The Workboat Association
-
10% discount for Workboat Association members
Technical Info:
-
ISBN: 978-1-905195-435
Contact Us
Need any help? Get in touch with an expert via the contact form below.
What are SOLAS LSA, and Fire Training Manuals?
These SOLAS, LSA and FTM manuals are mandatory onboard documents required under SOLAS regulations. They provide crew with clear instructions on the use, operation, and maintenance of life-saving appliances (LSA) and fire-fighting equipment, helping vessels remain compliant, safe, and inspection-ready through comprehensive maritime publications.
Are these manuals mandatory onboard vessels?
Yes. SOLAS regulations require approved training manuals to be carried onboard applicable vessels. Flag States, Class, and Port State Control surveyors routinely check for up-to-date, compliant manuals during inspections. For peace of mind, and to stay up to date on fast-changing maritime regualtions, make sure you have the correct manuals onboard.
Which vessel require these manuals?
Our manuals are suitable for:
- SOLAS vessels of all types
- Larger non-SOLAS vessels
- Commercial workboats and coded vessels
- Passenger, cargo, offshore support, and specialist vessels
- UK-flagged vessels operating worldwide
Coded Vessel Training Manuals apply specifically to vessels operating under UK Codes (such as Workboat Code 3).
Who typically uses these manuals onboard?
These manuals are used by:
-
Masters and skippers
-
Crew members
-
Safety officers
-
Vessel managers
-
Suveyors during inspections
They provide a single, consistent reference for onboard safety procedures.
Are I.C. Brindle manuals MCA-recognised and approved by surveyors?
Yes. The I.C Brindle SOLAS LSA, Fire and Checklist manuals are widely accepted by the MCA, Flag Administrations, and surveyors worldwide. They have a proven track record with no known surveyor rejections, giving operators confidence during audits and inspections.
How are I.C. Brindle manuals structured?
All manuals are supplied in an A4 loose-leaf binder format.
- The main sections cover equipment and procedures generically, in line with regulations
- The final section allows vessel-specific details to be added
- This ensures each manual is compliant, practical, and tailored to the individual vessel.
Why is the loose-leaf format of the manuals important?
The loose-leaf format allows:
- Easy updates when regulations change
- Simple amendments after equipment upgrades
- Ongoing compliance without replacing the full manual
- The manuals to be future-proof and cost-effective.
Are the manuals kept up to date with regulation changes?
Yes. Our manuals are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes issued by the IMO, MCA, and other maritime authorities. New editions are released when significant regulatory changes come into force.
What is included in the SOLAS LSA Training Manual?
The SOLAS LSA Training Manual covers:
- Survival craft and launching procedures
- Lifebuoys, lifejackets, and immersion suits
- Man overboard recovery
- Radio and distress equipment
- Survival techniques and SAR operations
- Vessel-specific equipment inventory
What is included in the SOLAS Fire Training Manual?
The Fire Training Manual includes:
- Fire prevention and fire dynamics
- Fixed and portable extinguishing systems
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Command, control, and fire team responsibilities
- Fire safety operations for different vessel types
- Space for vessel-specific equipment and procedures
What is included in the SOLAS Checklist?
The SOLAS Checklist covers:
- Weekly and monthly inspection records for life-saving appliances (LSA) and fire-fighting equipment
- Lifeboats, rescue boats, liferafts, and launching appliances
- Lifejackets, lifebuoys, immersion and anti-exposure suits
- Man overboard recovery equipment
- Fire detection, alarm panels, and emergency systems
- Fire mains, pumps, hydrants, hoses, and nozzles
- Fixed and portable fire-extinguishing systems
- BA, EEBD, firefighter outfits, and charging equipment
- Emergency lighting, signage, and low-location lighting
- Defect recording with rectification tracking
- Cross-referencing to relevant SOLAS chapters and IMO/MSC circulars
- Customisable equipment inventory specific to the vessel
Are I.C. Brindle manuals available in other languages?
Yes. Selected manuals are available in, English, French, Spanish, and Russian. All translations are completed by professional maritime translators and proof-read to ensure technical accuracy.
Can the manuals be customised for our vessel or fleet?
Yes. The manuals can be customised to suit your vessel or fleet. Options include fully vessel-specific manuals prepared by I.C. Brindle, custom covers, headers, footers or logos, and alignment with your company’s QA or Safety Management System (SMS) requirements. This makes the manuals well suited to fleet operators and managed vessels, helping ensure consistency, compliance, and a professional onboard standard across all your vessels.
Are these manuals suitable for coded vessels and workboats?
Yes. We have Coded Vessel and Workboat Code Training Manuals, which are specifically written to meet UK Code requirements, including Workboat Code 3 (5th Edition), and are suitable for vessels under 24m, pilot boats, and specialist watercrafts.
Why choose I.C. Brindle training manuals?
I.C. Brindle training manuals are trusted worldwide because they are regulation-led and inspection-ready, helping operators meet SOLAS, MCA, and Code requirements with confidence. They are easy to read, practical for crews to use onboard, and have a proven track record with surveyors. Supplied in a loose-leaf format, the manuals are designed to be updated rather than replaced, making them suitable for single vessels or entire fleets while supporting safe, legal, and professional operations.
