A revised technical reference for marinas
The Yacht Harbour Association is preparing to release the eighth edition of its Code of Practice, a substantially revised professional reference for marina planning, design and day-to-day operation. British Marine announced the forthcoming edition on 5 October 2026. It will be available online to eligible association members rather than distributed primarily as a static printed manual.
The first release is structured around two volumes: Marina Planning and Design, followed by Marina Operations. Together they will replace the existing seventh edition. A later phase in 2027 is due to add specialised material concerning superyacht marinas and boatyard planning and operations. The initial volumes should not be confused with those later additions.
Why berth holders should care
For owners of yachts between 12 and 23.99 metres, marina quality is defined by more than its location and restaurant selection. Safe access, berthing arrangement, protection from prevailing weather, electrical infrastructure and well-practised operating procedures all shape the experience of keeping a yacht in a particular harbour.
A professional code can provide a common reference for operators making decisions about maintenance, visitor management and future investment. It is not itself evidence that a particular marina meets every recommended practice. Owners should still assess the individual berth, available depth, power, security and the competence of the team handling arrivals.
Online access replaces a fixed paper edition
TYHA says access will begin through the Digify digital platform while a dedicated new website is planned for early 2027. The intention is to keep guidance current as practices change. The association has stated that the eighth edition will be available to fully paid-up members, and businesses must arrange access for named users within their organisation.
Marina operators relying on old documents should make sure their technical staff know which version they are consulting. The move to a digital reference also raises practical management questions about staff training, document permissions and how operational checklists are updated after a revision. Those implementation decisions remain with each organisation.
Implications for future facilities
The revised guidance arrives as marinas balance larger recreational yachts, increasing electrical requirements and a growing range of service expectations. It provides a timely framework for professional debate about how new facilities are specified and existing ones maintained, particularly where berth dimensions and shore power systems are under pressure.
TYHA credits Marina Projects and other contributors for work on the edition. The release does not announce a mandatory new regulation, and owners should avoid interpreting it as one. Its immediate significance is the impending availability of an updated industry resource that can inform better marina decisions for the boats LYG covers. Operators moving toward the new edition should review existing procedures carefully rather than mechanically renaming documents. Training and practical verification will matter more than the mere possession of a current digital subscription.
