Recreational Craft Directive – a brief guide
The RCD is a grey area for quite a few people, and a complete mystery to the rest of us. It is effectively a CE mark for a boat. It is poorly policed in the UK and many boats sold on the market, both new and used, fail to comply with the regulations, particularly as in the case of boats classed as Category D (which includes all narrow boats) the builder self-declares without any requirement for an independent inspection.
Since June 1998 all recreational craft new to the European Economic Area (EEA) must meet the requirements of the EU Directive on Recreational Craft or RCD as it is often called. The Recreational Craft Regulations 1996, which originally implemented the Directive into UK law, were replaced in 2004. The new regulations have added environmental provisions about engine and noise emissions to the list of essential requirements. There is also a specific way for completed craft to be assessed called a Post Construction Assessment. The Regulations place the responsibility of ensuring the craft meets all the requirements of the RCD upon the person who first places the craft on the EEA market. First placing on the market is a legal term that has several meanings:
It usually happens when the completed craft is sold by the manufacturer to the person who is going to use it or a dealer for further distribution.
It also happens when the completed craft is used for the first time, as in the case of a Home build or added to the manufacturer’s charter fleet.
With imported boats it happens when it clears customs because it is then available for use or distribution.
This is the point when the completed craft must comply with all the requirements of the RCD.
The requirements apply equally to businesses and private individuals.
Reference to the RCD in these notes means the UK Regulations.
Buying a completed craft:
Anyone thinking of buying a completed boat, new or used, should look for these five items:
A builders plate
A CE mark
A craft identification number (CIN) or hull identification mark (HIN)
An owner’s manual with a copy of :
A declaration of conformity.
Boats must also comply with the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) requirements before they can be used on most of the UK’s waterways. Look at the BSS web site for more information.
Builder’s Plate
Every new boat sold or first used in the EU since 16 June 1998 must have a builder’s plate. This plate has the maker’s details and technical information such as the design category, maximum loading weight and engine power. It must also include the CE mark.
Craft Identification Number (CIN)
The Craft Identification Number or Hull Identification Number (HIN) as it used to be called, is unique to that craft. It is a code that identifies not only the builder, but where and when the craft was built. It will look similar to the illustration below and is found in two places. One is found on or near the transom, starboard side, near the top. As most narrowboats do not have a transom as such, this means the number should be on the right hand side somewhere near the stern fender as you face forwards. The other is hidden as a security check. It should always be 14 alphanumeric characters in length, no more and no less. The “Model Year” must always be of equal or later date than the year of manufacture, never earlier. An example is given immediately below:
Owner’s Manual
New boats must have an owner’s manual. As all the required information is in the original owners manual, always ask to see it. You should also have the manuals for any equipment fitted for the same reasons. The owners manual must also contain an important legal document called a Declaration of Conformity. This document is issued and signed by the manufacturer, or his agent or the importer. It is part of the CE marking requirements and is one of the Documents that may be asked for and examined by any of the EEA Enforcement Authorities. Very important if the craft is being used in Europe.
If a craft is being offered for sale without one of the five items you could have real problems if you buy it!
Some craft do not need to be CE marked:
Any craft already in use in EEA waters before 16th June 1998, unless its main use becomes recreational after this date (ie. from a working boat for coal to a live aboard home).
Any craft under 2.5m or over 24m.
Any craft on the list of exemptions and, usually labelled such as racing boats, historic craft and hovercraft.
However in most cases the exemption has conditions. A craft can lose the exemption if the conditions are broken and will need to meet the full requirements of the RCD. This is a complex area to give general advice on. Each case has to be examined and decisions made on an individual basis.
Some examples to be aware of:
Used boats from countries outside the EEA
Any boat, new or used, imported into the EEA since June 16 1998 is regarded as being a craft new to the EEA market.This means it has to meet all the requirements of the RCD before it can be used.
The enforcement authorities of any EEA Member State can take action to remove a noncompliant boat from their waters.
Most non-compliant boats can be made to comply, but there is a cost involved. It could be you that foots the bill.
A non-compliant boat is not worth as much as a compliant one.
Your insurance cover may be invalid.
The BSS certificate could be revoked and you will not be allowed to use your boat.
A non-compliant boat never gains compliance just because it has been used for some time.
From the 1st January 2006, inboard petrol and diesel engines must have type approval and meet strict emissions and noise levels. It is unlikely that a used engine will be able to meet the requirements.
Advice
The best advice is to look for the 5 items listed in the opening section above. If they are not there, then ask why not.
All new recreational craft must be comply with the Recreational Craft Regulations 1996 or 2004.
An exempt boat complies with the RCD provided all the conditions are still being met. It does not need to be CE marked etc.
Check the answer given with your surveyor, the RYA, BMF, DTI or Trading Standards Service.
Buy through a broker, who is also a member of the BMF or ABYA.
If you buy privately – buyer beware! Check everything very carefully and have a survey done. If the craft does not comply with the RCD and does not fall into one of exemptions, walk away. Some bargains are not worth it!
This information has been adapted from guidance issued by Hampshire Trading Standards. It is designed to provide basic information to consumers. It is not a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and the law could change without notice to us or you as a consumer. If in doubt, speak with the British Marine Federation (BMF) for sound legal advice.