In the world of luxury yachts, safety and regulatory compliance are as fundamental as design and comfort. For this reason, the Red Ensign Group (REG) — an alliance between the United Kingdom and its maritime territories — has developed a specific international code to regulate large yachts: the REG Yacht Code.

This code is divided into two main sections. Part A, known as LY3, applies to commercial yachts over 24 meters carrying up to 12 passengers. It establishes strict criteria for construction, safety, operational management, and crew, with the aim of ensuring high standards without sacrificing luxury.

Part B, on the other hand, is the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC). Designed for yachts hosting from 13 to 36 passengers, it allows greater flexibility compared to traditional passenger ship regulations, while still meeting stringent requirements regarding safety, compartmentation, and fire prevention.

The limit of 12 guests on board, often unclear to those approaching this sector for the first time, is not arbitrary: it arises from international regulations designed to distinguish pleasure craft from true passenger ships, which require much more complex standards. The PYC therefore represents an intermediate solution for large superyachts that want to offer exclusive experiences to more guests, while complying with the rules.

Both codes are internationally recognized and adopted even by non-British flags. The REG Yacht Code is now a benchmark for those wishing to operate in the global luxury charter sector, combining elegance, safety, and compliance.

This article is for informational purposes and is aimed at a general audience, with the goal of simply clarifying some regulatory differences related to the number of passengers on board.