Recreational Craft Directive

The Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) sets minimum requirements of a boat guaranteeing its suitability for sale and use within the European Union.

These requirements cover all aspects of the boat from identification marks to strength of construction, stability and handling, from gas, electric and fuel system installations to owner’s documentation.

The RCD was implemented in the UK as the Recreational Craft Regulations and came into force on 16 June 1998. Any boat placed on the EU market after this date, whether a new build or imported from outside the EU, must be CE-marked.

• Look for ‘Craft Identification Number’ (CIN) on transom, 14 character number giving code for country of origin, manufacturers identity, serial number and date of manufacture and model year.
• A ‘Builders Plate’ with manufactures name, maximum load, maximum number of persons, design category and CE mark.
• The design category shown on the builders’ plate relates to the conditions for which the boat has been designed to accommodate.
• A = Ocean, B=offshore, C= inshore and D=inland or sheltered coastal.
• Owner’s Manual with Recreational Craft Directive ‘Declaration of Conformity’ attached.
• All craft should have a suitable mooring point.
• All craft should be able to be re-boarded from the water.
• All craft should be strong enough and have sufficient stability and buoyancy depending upon size.
• Fuel systems including LPG should be correctly installed.
• Electrical systems must be safe.
• For complete list of RCD essential requirements down load the BMF Boat builders guide to the RCD.  http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/ ‘Technical’ -‘Publications’

There are some exceptions:

Commercial craft

Boats built for own use and not placed on the market within five years

Certain categories of boat, such as racing boats and canoes/kayaks

If you have any questions, please email us info@onthewater.co.uk

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