Definition of Shipping Categories:

CATEGORY A: Seagoing or Sea-fishing vessels with no limitation on length of trips. Where casualties cannot, or may not, be able to be hospitalised on shore for 24 hours.

CATEGORY B: Seagoing or Sea-fishing vessels making trips of less than 150 nautical miles from the nearest Port with adequate medical equipment. This category is extended to vessels which make trips of less than 200nm which remain within adequate range of helicopter services. Category B is for ships where casualties can be hospitalised within 24 hours.

CATEGORY C: Harbour Vessels, Boats, Craft staying close to shore (less than 60 nautical miles). Lifeboats and Life rafts are required to carry Category C stores.