HPi-CEproof is the only Approved Body empowered to issue ‘UKCA mark’ certificates under the new UK Recreational Craft Regulations that came into force on 1 January this year
The Oxfordshire-based company’s ability to issue the new RCR type approval certificates enables compliance with the post-Brexit UK Recreational Craft Regulations. For that reason it is a vital new service for the global boatbuilding community in order to maintain future UK market access.

Celebrating the significance of its appointment, the Oxfordshire-based company auctioned the rights for a boatbuilder to be assessed for RCR certificate number one. Proceeds were split equally between the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and British Divers Marine Life Rescue. No fees were charged for the assessment.
The auction winner, Princess Yachts, chose the fourth off-the-line of its striking X95 class to receive the UK’s first ever RCR certificate. The X95 is a highly innovative recipient, with trend-breaking design, very spacious accommodation and long-range cruising efficiency.
Adam Greene, Senior Naval Architect at Princess Yachts explains: “Our UKCA certificates will use the existing CE marking and technical files as the starting point from which to issue new UKCA certificates. All Princess models will eventually have both CE and UKCA certification, along with conformity statements for US USCG and ABYC rules. HPi-CEproof and HPi Verification Services (Ireland) provide all three requirements for us.”
Alasdair Reay, HPi-CEproof’s CEO, continues: “We had already safeguarded all of our clients prior to the UK’s exit from the EU by transferring their CE conformity to HPi Verification Services (Ireland), which is a fully approved notified body, operating independently. The UK RCR can use the same compliance assessment documentation, since both regimes apply the same standards and all the compliance documentation was already within the company and reviewed by the same personnel.
“The Brexit vote determined the nation’s desire to set its own rules and so we have these new UK regulations. While it is another hurdle for manufacturers to cross, our work with Princess Yachts on this first ever RCR type approval certificate demonstrates that the threshold is low for those who were already set-up for CE marking their products.
“We’d also like to thank the team at Princess for bidding the highest amount in our auction to obtain the very aptly numbered certificate HPiUK-R0001-T001-I-01-00. It’s been tough in recent months for charities and good to be able to support two environmentally-focused causes close to our hearts.”
Emily Norris, BLUE’s Senior Development Manager responded: “We at Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) are thrilled to receive this generous donation from HPi-CEproof. Thanks to continued support from the yachting industry through donations such as this and from our Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC), we can continue our work protecting the world’s ocean.”