Recreational Certification
Europe and the Recreational Craft Directive
The European Commission promotes the growth of the small craft sector and some of the recent initiatives are summarised here.
A new Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) came into effect at the beginning of 2016. There is a transitional period of one year and the Directive 2013/53/EU will be effective from 1 January 2017.
The text of the New Directive can be found here.
A consolidated guide to the application of the Directive can be found here.
For MIASA members an easy to use comparative table from ICOMIA/EBI Guide is available through the member log in. This shows the Essential Requirements from both Directives along with corresponding harmonised standards.
Click here for additional information on the harmonised standards.
The European Commission has legislative oversight of boats imported into Europe. There are a number of certified bodies that provide CE certification of boats against the Recreational Craft Directive, which can be viewed here.
International Marine Certification Institute
The International Marine Certification Institute as an independent external body that provides a valuable certification service to manufacturers who desire to market their boats, yachts, and certain components in the European Union. After successful assessment the customers of IMCI will be able to display the CE-mark on products which are covered by the Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC as amended by Directive 2003/44/EC. This allows the free and open access to all 27 countries of the European Union.
The Boating South Africa CEO is an active Board member of the International Marine Certification Institute, a non-profit certification body based in Belgium. IMCI provides checklists and application forms for boats, engines and components. Please refer to their
IMCI provides checklists and application forms for boats, engines and components. Please refer to their website for further details.
Peter Jacops, of Blue Peter Marine, is the IMCI inspector for South Africa and he will assist with your CE requirements. He can be contacted at P.Jacops@gmail.com or via his website.
Classifications
Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas provides classification together with proven expertise in the classification of sail and motor yachts. Their rules support all parties in each yacht project at every step of the way from the very early stage of pre-design to delivery and operations – for recreational crafts to large luxury mega yachts.
For more information, click here.
Bureau Veritas is recognised by the European Community for the Marine Equipment Directive, and by most of the flag states to act on their behalf for statutory certification to verify implementation of national and international regulations for marine safety and environmental protection.
They are recognised by 120 flag administrations, by notification authorities for EC directives, by certifying authorities for small commercial vessels and by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) as well as many other reputable flags for large commercial yacht certifications.
Please refer to their website.
Local South African contacts can be found here.
Institutions
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects is an internationally renowned professional institution whose members are involved at all levels in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of marine vessels and structures. Members of RINA are widely represented in industry, universities and colleges, and maritime organisations in over ninety countries.
Membership of RINA, and the right to use the letters FRINA, MRINA AMRINA or Assoc. (RINA) after a member’s name, demonstrates the achievement of internationally recognised standards of professional competence, and the commitment to professional integrity and high standards of practice governed by the Institution’s Code of Professional Conduct. There are classes of RINA membership to suit all those involved or interested in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of all types of marine vessels and structures. The classes of membership reflect the education, training, experience and professional responsibility achieved.
Membership of RINA is international, reflecting the global nature of the maritime industry, and provides access to a wide range of benefits and services. Please refer to their website.
South African Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
SAIMENA is the South African Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects, the only technical society in South Africa dedicated to marine engineers and naval architects. It was founded in 1975 by the former members of the overseas branches, in Cape Town and Durban, of the Institute of Marine Engineers, London.
These branches were formed in the 1950’s. In 1968, the S.A. Government promulgated the Professional Engineers Act, which states that only South African Technical Societies would be recognised under this Act. Thus, in 1975, SAIMENA was founded to represent South African Marine Engineers and Naval Architects. It now has branches in Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, with a total membership of 400.
Its members are from all sections of the industry, seagoing engineers, ship repairers, shipbuilders, marine paints, classification societies, salvage associations, the SA Navy, naval architects, marine consultants etc. – in fact, people who live by the marine industry. Please refer to their website.