RCD update
By IBI Magazine
The latest amendment to the Recreational Craft Directive comes into effect on January 1, 2007, and is the last of two phased extensions to the scope of the Directive, the first of which came into effect in January 2006.
These changes extend the RCD to include PWCs, and add requirements covering exhaust emissions from propulsion engines, and the combined noise emissions of craft and engine. A useful relaxation is the facility to import a used boat from outside the EU using the new 'Post Construction Assessment' rules.
The RCD applies to any craft between 2.5m and 24m built or offered for sale in the EU and EEA (European Economic Area). It has been with us for a decade now, and has succeeded, according to the Department of Trade and Industry, in creating a level playing field for marine manufacturers and traders across all 25 member states plus the EEA states of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It has also, says the DTI, raised the level of consumer confidence by addressing the essential aspects of a boat's design, construction and safety, evidenced by the CE Mark on the builder's plate.
"It is important to realise that as well as boats built in the EU, new or used boats imported from outside the UK, and used boats which were first sold after June 1998, also fall within the scope of the RCD, and traders who do not take steps to comply are liable for prosecution, with a £5,000 fine (in the UK) or 3 months in jail," read a statement issued from the DTI to help raise awareness of the RCD.
"There has been some confusion about the new engine exhaust emission and noise rules, particularly as they apply to 2-stroke engines. These rules came into effect on January 1, 2007, but only apply to new boats and engines. Existing engines can continue to be used until the end of their life. The new exhaust emission and noise rules mean that all types of petrol engines must comply with CO, NOx, particulate and hydrocarbon limits; diesel engines have to comply with particulate limits. In practice, smaller 2-stroke engines that run on a fuel/oil mixture are unlikely to comply, and can no longer be sold in the EU. Builders of all boats including PWCs must also certify that their product is within the noise emission limits."
More information from the following: Department of Trade and Industry (
http://www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/str...page12637.html).
(21 November 2006)
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