Technological progress in the yachting sector continues at a remarkable pace. Against this backdrop, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has announced an update to its regulatory framework, publishing the RMI Yacht Code 2026.
As the RMI recently confirmed, the Yacht Code 2021, as amended through August 2023, has been revised and reissued as the RMI Yacht Code 2026. The updated Code aims to provide practical rule applications for the increasingly innovative designs of superyachts, new construction methods, and modern operational practices. It will enter into force on 1 January 2026.
Serving as a robust framework for safety and compliance, the Code is particularly relevant for newbuild projects and shipyards. It incorporates lessons learned and best practices developed in recent years and aligns the document with revised instruments from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Regulatory and Yacht Fleet Operations Teams from International Registries, Inc. (IRI) and its affiliates — which provide administrative and technical support to the RMI Maritime and Corporate Registries — began work on the revised Code in September 2024.
“The yacht industry continues to rapidly evolve, and we want the Administrator’s regulatory framework to remain flexible, adaptable, and pragmatic. We reviewed requirements chapter by chapter, section by section, solicited industry feedback, and ensured we met the technical and safety needs of this innovative market,” said Marc Verburg, Director, Yacht Operations, based in IRI’s Roosendaal office in the Netherlands.
“We took a pragmatic approach, drawing on lessons learned from recent and past projects and current industry best practices. We wanted the language to reflect practical regulatory requirements that leave room for alternative arrangements, while maintaining the highest standards of safe vessel operation,” added Patrick Bachofner, Director, Geneva Office and Worldwide Director, Yachts.
The RMI Yacht Code 2013 was replaced in 2021 to support owners and shipyards using the RMI framework as a building standard. That version was amended in August 2023. The new 2026 Code, released in October 2025, allows stakeholders sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the changes before its entry into force. Representatives from the RMI Registry, shipyards, designers, classification societies, and yacht managers were invited to comment on proposed updates in April 2025. In total, 161 comments and suggestions were received and evaluated for possible inclusion.
“It was very important for us to hear from industry stakeholders directly during this process,” said Marc. “They are on the ground working with the new technology, materials, and methods. Their experience ensures our amendments are practical, reasonable, and continue to maintain our high safety standards,” he concluded.
