Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 now part of UK law

The regulations follow the requirements of the RCD, while also setting out UK responsibilities.

The Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 are now in force, following its entry onto the UK law statute book. This legislation is more generally known as the RCD, or Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU) and this version updates and repeals the 2004 regulations.

The 2017 regulations follow the requirements of the RCD, while also setting out the UK market surveillance responsibilities. This essentially relates to what trading standards can, and must do, to ensure compliance and their powers to impose penalties on companies found in breach of the regulations, which can result in products being taken off the market, fines and even imprisonment.

British Marine’s technical team offers guidance on the new regulations to member companies and is also running a course on the essential requirements and how these can be met.

The RCD sets out minimum technical, safety and environmental standards for the trade of boats, personal watercraft, marine engines and components in Europe. It covers boats between 2.5m-24m (8ft-79ft). It ensures their suitability for sale and use in Europe.