Recreational Craft Directive and Regulations (RCD)

The Directive applies to the design and manufacture of watercraft (ie recreational boats & personal watercraft) that have a hull length between 2.5m and 24m (8ft 2in to 78ft 8in). This does NOT apply to the operation  of the watercraft.

All boats that are within the scope must be assigned a design category which is then used to set targets for the assessment of the craft.

1. Ignition-protected equipment for inboard and stern drive petrol engines & petrol tank spaces.
2. Start-in-gear protection devices for outboard engines.
3. Steering wheels, steering mechanisms and cable assemblies.
4. Fuel tanks intended for fixed installations and fuel hoses.
5. Prefabricated hatches and port lights.

In addition, the Directive also includes engines that are to be fitted on recreational craft. To earn their CE mark, all engines must meet exhaust emissions criteria, and if the engine has an integral exhaust (eg an outboard or sterndrive) then it must also meet noise limits. 

If the engine does not have an integral exhaust and is fitted to a high speed boat, then the boat manufacturer must demonstrate that the boat & engine together meet the noise limits.

There are a number of exclusions. Many of these refer to craft with an unconventional mode of operation such as hydrofoils and hovercraft.

The exclusion that causes the most confusion is craft for commercial use. For more details, see the FAQ relating to commercial craft.

Craft intended solely for racing are also excluded (if they are labelled as such). If the craft is intended primarily for racing and may cruise from time to time, it is not excluded.