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The Recreational Craft Regulations 2004

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Regulation 2(1)

SCHEDULE 1(Annex I of the Directive)

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Preliminary Observation

For the purposes of this Annex the term “craft” shall cover recreational craft and personal watercraft.

A.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATIONAL CRAFT

1.

BOAT DESIGN CATEGORIES

Design CategoryWind force (Beaufort scale)Significant wave height (H ⅓, metres)

Definitions:

A.

OCEAN: Designed for extended voyages where conditions may exceed wind force 8 (Beaufort scale) and significant wave heights of 4 m and above but excluding abnormal conditions, and vessels largely self-sufficient.

B.

OFFSHORE: Designed for offshore voyages where conditions up to, and including, wind force 8 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 4 m may be experienced.

C.

INSHORE: Designed for voyages in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers where conditions up to, and including, wind force 6 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 2 m may be experienced.

D.

SHELTERED WATERS: Designed for voyages on sheltered coastal waters, small bays, small lakes, rivers and canals when conditions up to, and including, wind force 4 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 0.3 m may be experienced, with occasional waves of 0.5 m maximum height, for example from passing vessels.

Craft in each Category must be designed and constructed to withstand these parameters in respect of stability, buoyancy, and other relevant essential requirements listed in Annex I, and to have good handling characteristics.

A—`Ocean'exceeding 8exceeding 4
B—`Offshore'up to, and including, 8up to, and including, 4
C—`Inshore'up to, and including, 6up to, and including, 2
D—`Sheltered waters'up to, and including, 4up to, and including, 0.3
2.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Products falling under Article 1(1)(a)(1) shall comply with the essential requirements in so far as they apply to them.

2.1.

Craft identification

Each craft shall be marked with an identification number including the following information:

  • manufacturer’s code,

  • country of manufacture,

  • unique serial number,

  • year of production,

  • model year.

The relevant harmonised standard gives details of these requirements.

2.2.

Builder’s plate

Each craft shall carry a permanently affixed plate mounted separately from the boat hull identification number, containing the following information:

  • manufacturer’s name,

  • CE marking (see Annex IV),(2)

  • boat design category according to section 1,

  • manufacturer’s maximum recommended load derived from section 3.6 excluding the weight of the contents of the fixed tanks when full,

  • number of persons recommended by the manufacturer for which the boat was designed to carry when under way.

2.3.

Protection from falling overboard and means of reboarding

Depending on the design category, craft shall be designed to minimize the risks of falling overboard and to facilitate reboarding.

2.4.

Visibility from the main steering position

For motor boats, the main steering position shall give the operator, under normal conditions of use (speed and load), good all-round visibility.

2.5.

Owner’s manual

Each craft shall be provided with an owner’s manual in the official Community language or languages which may be determined by the Member State in which it is marketed in accordance with the Treaty. This manual should draw particular attention to risks of fire and flooding and shall contain the information listed in sections 2.2, 3.6 and 4 as well as the unladen weight of the craft in kilograms.

3.

INTEGRITY AND STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1.

Structure

The choice and combination of materials and its construction shall ensure that the craft is strong enough in all respects. Special attention shall be paid to the design category according to section 1, and the manufacturer’s maximum recommended load in accordance with section 3.6.

3.2.

Stability and freeboard

The craft shall have sufficient stability and freeboard considering its design category according to section 1 and the manufacturer’s maximum recommended load according to section 3.6.

3.3.

Buoyancy and flotation

The craft shall be constructed to ensure that it has buoyancy characteristics appropriate to its design category according to section 1.1, and the manufacturer’s maximum recommended load according to section 3.6. All habitable multihull craft shall be so designed as to have sufficient buoyancy to remain afloat in the inverted position. Boats of less than six metres in length that are susceptible to swamping when used in their design category shall be provided with appropriate means of flotation in the swamped condition.

3.4.

Openings in hull, deck and superstructure

Openings in hull, deck(s) and superstructure shall not impair the structural integrity of the craft or its weathertight integrity when closed.

Windows, portlights, doors and hatchcovers shall withstand the water pressure likely to be encountered in their specific position, as well as pointloads applied by the weight of persons moving on deck.

Through hull fittings designed to allow water passage into the hull or out of the hull, below the waterline corresponding to the manufacturer’s maximum recommended load according to section 3.6, shall be fitted with shutoff means which shall be readily accessible.

3.5.

Flooding

All craft shall be designed so as to minimize the risk of sinking.

Particular attention should be paid where appropriate to:

  • cockpits and wells, which should be self-draining or have other means of keeping water out of the boat interior,

  • ventilation fittings,

  • removal of water by pumps or other means.

3.6.

Manufacturer’s maximum recommended load

The manufacturer’s maximum recommended load (fuel, water, provisions, miscellaneous equipment and people (in kilograms)) for which the boat was designed shall be determined according to the design category (section 1), stability and freeboard (section 3.2) and buoyancy and flotation (section 3.3).

3.7.

Liferaft stowage

All craft of categories A and B, and craft of categories C and D longer than six metres shall be provided with one or more stowage points for a liferaft (liferafts) large enough to hold the number of persons the boat was designed to carry as recommended by the manufacturer. This (these) stowage point(s) shall be readily accessible at all times.

3.8.

Escape

All habitable multihull craft over 12 metres long shall be provided with viable means of escape in the event of inversion. All habitable craft shall be provided with viable means of escape in the event of fire.

3.9.

Anchoring, mooring and towing

All craft, taking into account their design category and their characteristics shall be fitted with one or more strong points or other means capable of safely accepting anchoring, mooring and towing loads.

4.

HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS

The manufacturer shall ensure that the handling characteristics of the craft are satisfactory with the most powerful engine for which the boat is designed and constructed. For all recreational marine engines, the maximum rated engine power shall be declared in the owner’s manual in accordance with the harmonised standard.

5.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

5.1.

Engines and engine spaces

5.1.1.

Inboard engine

All inboard mounted engines shall be placed within an enclosure separated from living quarters and installed so as to minimize the risk of fires or spread of fires as well as hazards from toxic fumes, heat, noise or vibrations in the living quarters.

Engine parts and accessories that require frequent inspection and/or servicing shall be readily accessible.

The insulating materials inside engine spaces shall be non-combustible.

5.1.2.

Ventilation

The engine compartment shall be ventilated. The dangerous ingress of water into the engine compartment through all inlets must be prevented.

5.1.3.

Exposed parts

Unless the engine is protected by a cover or its own enclosure, exposed moving or hot parts of the engine that could cause personal injury shall be effectively shielded.

5.1.4.

Outboard engines starting

All boats with outboard engines shall have a device to prevent starting the engine in gear, except:

(a)

when the engine produces less than 500 newtons (N) of static thrust;

(b)

when the engine has a throttle limiting device to limit thrust to 500 N at the time of starting the engine.

5.1.5.

Personal watercraft running without driver

Personal watercraft shall be designed either with an automatic engine cut-off or with an automatic device to provide reduced speed, circular, forward movement when the driver dismounts deliberately or falls overboard.

5.2.

Fuel system

5.2.1.

General

The filling, storage, venting and fuel-supply arrangements and installations shall be designed and installed so as to minimize the risk of fire and explosion.

5.2.2.

Fuel tanks

Fuel tanks, lines and hoses shall be secured and separated or protected from any source of significant heat. The material the tanks are made of and their method of construction shall be according to their capacity and the type of fuel. All tank spaces shall be ventilated.

Petrol fuel shall be kept in tanks which do not form part of the hull and are:

(a)

insulated from the engine compartment and from all other source of ignition;

(b)

separated from living quarters.

Diesel fuel may be kept in tanks that are integral with the hull.

5.3.

Electrical system

Electrical systems shall be designed and installed so as to ensure proper operation of the craft under normal conditions of use and shall be such as to minimize risk of fire and electric shock.

Attention shall be paid to the provision of overload and short-circuit protection of all circuits, except engine starting circuits, supplied from batteries.

Ventilation shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of gases which might be emitted from batteries. Batteries shall be firmly secured and protected from ingress of water.

5.4.

Steering system

5.4.1.

General

Steering systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in order to allow the transmission of steering loads under foreseeable operating conditions.

5.4.2.

Emergency arrangements

Sailboat and single-engined inboard powered motor boats with remote-controlled rudder steering systems shall be provided with emergency means of steering the craft at reduced speed.

5.5.

Gas system

Gas systems for domestic use shall be of the vapour-withdrawal type and shall be designed and installed so as to avoid leaks and the risk of explosion and be capable of being tested for leaks. Materials and components shall be suitable for the specific gas used to withstand the stresses and exposures found in the marine environment.

Each appliance shall be equipped with a flame failure device effective on all burners. Each gas-consuming appliance must be supplied by a separate branch of the distribution system, and each appliance must be controlled by a separate closing device. Adequate ventilation must be provided to prevent hazards from leaks and products of combustion.

All craft with a permanently installed gas system shall be fitted with an enclosure to contain all gas cylinders. The enclosure shall be separated from the living quarters, accessible only from the outside and ventilated to the outside so that any escaping gas drains overboard. Any permanent gas system shall be tested after installation.

5.6.

Fire protection

5.6.1.

General

The type of equipment installed and the layout of the craft shall take account of the risk and spread of fire. Special attention shall be paid to the surroundings of open flame devices, hot areas or engines and auxiliary machines, oil and fuel overflows, uncovered oil and fuel pipes and avoiding electrical wiring above hot areas of machines.

5.6.2.

Fire-fighting equipment

Craft shall be supplied with fire-fighting equipment appropriate to the fire hazard, or the position and capacity of fire fighting equipment appropriate to the fire hazard shall be indicated. The craft shall not be put into service until the appropriate fire fighting equipment is in place. Petrol engine enclosures shall be protected by a fire extinguishing system that avoids the need to open the enclosure in the event of fire. Where fitted, portable fire extinguishers shall be readily accessible and one shall be so positioned that it can easily be reached from the main steering position of the craft.

5.7.

Navigation lights

Where navigation lights are fitted, they shall comply with the 1972 Colreg or CEVNI regulations, as appropriate.

5.8.

Discharge prevention and installations facilitating the delivery ashore of waste

Craft shall be constructed so as to prevent the accidental discharge of pollutants (oil, fuel, etc) overboard.

Craft fitted with toilets shall have either:

(a)

holding tanks; or

(b)

provision to fit holding tanks.

Craft with permanently installed holding tanks shall be fitted with a standard discharge connection to enable pipes of reception facilities to be connected with the craft discharge pipeline.

In addition, any through-the-hull pipes for human waste shall be fitted with valves which are capable of being secured in the closed position.

B.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EXHAUST EMISSIONS FROM PROPULSION ENGINES

Propulsion engines shall comply with the following essential requirements for exhaust emissions.

1.

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

1.1.

Each engine shall be clearly marked with the following information:

  • engine manufacturer’s trademark or trade-name,

  • engine type, engine family, if applicable,

  • a unique engine identification number,

  • CE marking, if required under Article 10.(3)

1.2.

These marks must be durable for the normal life of the engine and must be clearly legible and indelible. If labels or plates are used, they must be attached in such a manner that the fixing is durable for the normal life of the engine, and the labels/plates cannot be removed without destroying or defacing them.

1.3.

These marks must be secured to an engine part necessary for normal engine operation and not normally requiring replacement during the engine life.

1.4.

These marks must be located so as to be readily visible to the average person after the engine has been assembled with all the components necessary for engine operation.

2.

EXHAUST EMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Propulsion engines shall be designed, constructed and assembled so that when correctly installed and in normal use, emissions shall not exceed the limit values obtained from the following table:

Table 1
TypeCarbon Monoxide CO = A + B/PNn g/kWhHydrocarbons HC = A + B/PNn g/kWhNitrogen oxides NOxParticulates PT g/kWh
ABnABng/kWh
Two-stroke spark ignition150,0600,01,030,0100,00,7510,0Not applicable
Four-stroke spark ignition150,0600,01,06,050,00,7515,0Not applicable
Compression ignition5,0001,52,00,59,81,0

Where A, B and n are constants in accordance with the table, Pn is the rated engine power in kW and the exhaust emissions are measured in accordance with the harmonised standard(4).

For engines above 130 kW either E3 (IMO) or E5 (recreational marine) duty cycles may be used.

The reference fuels to be used for the emissions test for engines fuelled with petrol and diesel shall be as specified in Directive 98/69/EC(5) (Annex IX, Tables 1 and 2), and for those engines fuelled with Liquefied Petroleum Gas as specified in Directive 98/77/EC(6).

3.

DURABILITY

The manufacturer of the engine shall supply engine installation and maintenance instructions, which if applied should mean that the engine in normal use will continue to comply with the above limits throughout the normal life of the engine and under normal conditions of use.

This information shall be obtained by the engine manufacturer by use of prior endurance testing, based on normal operating cycles, and by calculation of component fatigue so that the necessary maintenance instructions may be prepared by the manufacturer and issued with all new engines when first placed on the market.

The normal life of the engine is considered to mean:

(a)

inboard or stern drive engines with or without integral exhaust: 480 hours or 10 years, whichever occurs first;

(b)

personal watercraft engines: 350 hours or 5 years, whichever occurs first;

(c)

outboard engines: 350 hours or 10 years, whichever occurs first.

4.

OWNER'S MANUAL

Each engine shall be provided with an Owner’s Manual in the Community language or languages, which may be determined by the Member State in which the engine is to be marketed. This manual shall:

(a)

provide instructions for the installation and maintenance needed to assure the proper functioning of the engine to meet the requirements of paragraph 3, (Durability);

(b)

specify the power of the engine when measured in accordance with the harmonised standard.

C.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NOISE EMISSIONS

Recreational craft with inboard or stern drive engines without integral exhaust, personal watercraft and outboard engines and stern drive engines with integral exhaust shall comply with the following essential requirements for noise emissions.

1.

NOISE EMISSION LEVELS

1.1.

Recreational craft with inboard or stern drive engines without integral exhaust, personal watercraft and outboard engines and stern drive engines with integral exhaust shall be designed, constructed and assembled so that noise emissions measured in accordance with tests defined in the harmonised standard(7) shall not exceed the limit values in the following table:

Table 2
Single Engine PowerMaximum Sound Pressure Level = Lp ASmax
  • Where PN = rated engine power in kW at rated speed and

  • LpASmax = maximum sound pressure level in dB.

  • For twin-engine and multiple-engine units of all engine types an allowance of 3 dB may be applied.

In kWIn dB
PN ≤ 1067
10 < PN ≤ 4072
PN > 4075
1.2.

As an alternative to sound measurement tests, recreational craft with inboard engine configuration or stern drive engine configuration, without integral exhaust, shall be deemed to comply with these noise requirements if they have a Froude number of ≤ 1.1 and a power displacement ration of ≤ 40 and where the engine and exhaust system are installed in accordance with the engine manufacturer’s specifications.

1.3.

“Froude number” shall be calculated by dividing the maximum boat speed V (m/s.) by the square root of the waterline length lwl (m.) multiplied by a given gravitational constant, (g = 9,8 m/s2).

“Power displacement ratio” shall be calculated by dividing the engine power P (kW) by the boat’s displacement

1.4.

As a further alternative to sound measurement tests, recreational craft with inboard or stern drive engine configurations without integral exhaust, shall be deemed to comply with these noise requirements if their key design parameters are the same as or compatible with those of a certified reference boat to tolerances specified in the harmonised standard.

1.5.

“Certified reference boat” shall mean a specific combination of hull/inboard engine or stern drive engine without integral exhaust that has been found to comply with the noise emission requirements, when measured in accordance with section 1.1, and for which all appropriate key design parameters and sound level measurements have been included subsequently in the published list of certified reference boats.

2.

OWNER'S MANUAL

For recreational craft with inboard engine or stern engines with or without integral exhaust and personal watercraft, the Owner’s Manual required under Annex 1.A Section 2.5, shall include information necessary to maintain the craft and exhaust system in a condition that, insofar as is practicable, will ensure compliance with the specified noise limit values when in normal use.

For outboard engines, the Owner’s Manual required under Annex 1.B.4 shall provide instructions necessary to maintain the outboard engine in a condition, that insofar as is practicable, will ensure compliance with the specified noise limit values when in normal use.

(1)

These are the products described in regulation 3(1)(a).

(2)

Annex IV is set out in Schedule 4.

(3)

Article 10 is implemented by regulation 8.

(4)

EN ISO 8178-1:1996.

(5)

OJ No. L350, 28.12.98, p. 1.

(6)

OJ No. L286, 23.10.98, p. 34.

(7)

EN ISO 14509.

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