TYHA Prepares New Marina Code with Superyacht Volume for 2027

A new online reference for marina operators

The Yacht Harbour Association, part of British Marine, is preparing the eighth edition of its industry Code of Practice, replacing the existing seventh edition. The association announced on 5 October 2026 that the revised reference will be delivered online rather than as a conventional static printed manual.

The initial digital release will include two volumes: Marina Planning and Design and Marina Operations. These will replace the existing seventh-edition guidance, while additional specialist content is due to follow in 2027. The announcement is advance notice to association members; the full updated Code should not be described as already available to the public.

Dedicated superyacht guidance is on the way

TYHA has identified a separate future volume for Superyacht Marina Planning, Design and Operations, expected during 2027, alongside a volume covering Marina Boatyard Planning, Design and Operations. This separation recognises the differences between ordinary berth provision and the complex requirements of facilities hosting large crewed yachts.

Superyacht infrastructure can require larger and deeper berths, stronger shoreside power capacity, safe refuelling arrangements, dedicated service access, security and more complicated traffic movements. Those design challenges need to be considered alongside marina operations, emergency response and the needs of other harbour users. A future dedicated volume can help provide a common reference for professionals, but it cannot replace local laws, approvals or site-specific engineering.

Why digital access changes maintenance of standards

The new Code will initially be provided through the Digify platform. TYHA says it expects to introduce a purpose-built website in early 2027, allowing eligible members to refer to current versions from office computers and mobile devices.

An online approach may simplify the correction of outdated guidance and communication of new provisions, provided that operators are notified clearly when material changes take effect. Marina managers will still need internal systems to record the version consulted, assign responsibility for reviewing changes and update local operating procedures where necessary.

Access for member organisations

Access to the eighth edition is intended for fully paid current TYHA members. The association is asking eligible businesses to provide email addresses for the employees who need to use the new platform, while non-members seeking the guidance will first need to join the association.

TYHA credits Marina Projects Ltd and wider industry contributors for the substantial review work. The advance notice does not provide the contents of every future chapter, an exact release date for the two later volumes or a certification guarantee for any particular marina. It would therefore be premature to suggest compliance with a document not yet issued.

Implications for captains, developers and shipyards

For superyacht captains choosing a long-term berth, the existence of appropriate planning and operations guidance is useful but not a substitute for a detailed berth assessment. Water depth, vessel clearances, berthing assistance, security, power capability, emergency access, heavy-lift arrangements and environmental policies must be checked against the particular yacht's requirements.

Developers and repair yards may also use the eventual framework to structure feasibility studies, refit planning and service agreements. The evolving Code provides an opportunity to integrate experience from marina operators and designers into more consistent procedures. The accompanying graphic comes directly from TYHA's official eighth-edition announcement, not an invented image of a specific superyacht marina.