EU Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)

HPiVS has issued many hundreds of RCD certificates with clients including the following familiar brands:

• Oyster Marine
• Mastercraft
• Moeller Tanks
• Rinker
• Nordhavn
• Cheoy Lee
• Fleming Yachts
• Scorpion RIBs
• Ribeye
• Corsair Marine
• San Juan Yachts
• RDS Fuel Tanks
• + many, many more.....

Scope

The Directive applies to the design and manufacture but NOT operation of recreational craft, ie pleaseure boats that have a hull length between 2.5m and 24m.

Exclusions

There are a number of exclusions. Many of these refer to craft with an unconventional mode of operation such as hydrofoils and hovercraft. Some types of rowing craft are also excluded. The exclusion that causes the most confusion is craft for commercial use. A craft that is used for a recreational craft falls within the scope whether or not there is a commerical arrangement in place. For example, a sailing yacht that is only ever used for charter is still a recreational craft as it is used as such.

Craft intended solely for racing are also excluded (if they are labelled as such). If the craft is intended primarily for racing, it is not excluded.

Products are either in scope and must be CE marked or they are outside the scope and may not be CE marked. There is no legal means whereby an excluded product can be CE marked. HPiVS will confirm, on application, if your product is excluded.

Standards

The detailed technical characteristics of the design, materials, production and testing are not laid down in the Directive but in standards. Standards have been especially written to support the directive. These standards, which must be adopted by all member states, are known as harmonised standards.

Conformity with harmonised standards "guarantees" conformity with the directive. Their application, however, is not mandatory. If harmonised standards are not suited to a specific product, any alternative standard or solution may be applied if it can be shown to carry equivalent safety. It is, however, difficult to demonstrate equivalent safety. HPiVS can advise on alternative methods.

Conformity Assessment Procedures

The directive has a full range of Conformity Assessment Modules that define what documentation needs to be compiled and to what extent a Notified Body should be involved. The choice of modules is limited depending upon the risk of the product (see the Briefing panel to the right). HPiVS will advise on the options upon application.

Next Steps

Contact HPi Verification Services