Naval Architect JB Marine Consultancy Naval Architect
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Recreational
Craft Directive "CE" Marking
Recreational Craft Directive
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
The assessment process is modular and depending on the size, design category and whether 'Type approval' is required, various modules may be relevant. The following is intended for guidance (Ref. RSG Guidelines 2003):
Module A - Internal Production Control
This module is entirely self-assessment with no involvement of a Notified Body, or any other third party.
Module Aa - Internal Production Control plus Tests
Stability and buoyancy data and emission or tests have to be verified by a Notified Body, all other criteria are self-assessed.
Module B - EC Type-Examination
A "type-approval" procedure - the Responsible Person submits a completed boat and its Technical Documentation for approval by a Notified Body.
Module C - Conformity To Type
When one boat of a class or family has been approved under Module B, subsequent craft of the same class or family may use Module C, which is another self-assessment module.
Module D - Production Quality Assurance
This is the equivalent of ISO 9002. The quality assurance procedure itself needs to be approved by a Notified Body.
Module E – Product Quality Assurance
Final product inspection and testing under the surveillance of a notified body.
Module F - Product Verification
Inspection by a Notified Body either of every product or of homogeneous lots.
Module G - Unit Verification
Suitable for custom craft over 12m - Notified Body examines the individual product.
Module H - Full Quality Assurance
The equivalent of ISO 9001, similar to Module D, but with additional emphasis on quality assurance of design.
The above chart shows that a new craft of Boat Design Category D or Category C (of less than 12m hull length) which complies with the stability and buoyancy requirements can be self-certified. Apart from this, some degree of 'Notified Body' involvement is required. The least involvement from a notified Body is for Module Aa, for which the stability of the craft is to be certified. The Technical file and Owners manual are not required to be assessed for this module (but are still required to be held by the self-certification representative).
For craft over 12 metres in Category C, the most appropriate assessment module is usually Module G, which involves 'unit verification'.
It is important to note that the cost of CE marking a boat increases significantly when the Notified Bodies are required.
In addition to the assessment modules, the stability requirements depend on the Boat Design Category, Length and Type. Click here to see the stability requirements tables.
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