The Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and CE marking

After 16th June 1998, any recreational craft between 2.5m and 24m in length which is put on the market anywhere in the European Union, must comply with the Recreational Craft Directive unless it can be shown that it was in service in the EU before that date.
Certain types of craft such as those intended solely for racing and craft such as canoes and sailboards are excluded from the Directive. Craft which are for the builder's own use and are not put on the market for a period of five years after the date of completion can also be exempted from compliance.
Craft which fall within the scope of the Directive must satisfy a series of Essential Requirements which cover areas such as construction, stability, fuel systems etc. How the vessel satisfies the Essential Requirements is documented in the Technical File.

In addition to the Technical File, each vessel must have an Owner’s Manual which gives the operator details about its operation and important safety information. The Owner’s Manual should contain a Declaration of Conformity which is the builder’s statement that the vessel meets the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive.

Small Craft Consultancy uses its own software to compile the RCD technical documentation. The software uses the latest standards for compliance assessment and performs all necessary calculations. When the client signs the Declaration of Conformity he can rest assured that the craft he has built is as compliant as it is possible to make it.

For builders of a series of boats, such as narrowboats, which differ in specification rather than in fundamental areas of design and construction, once the basis Technical File has been produced, we can compile an Owner's Manual to reflect the customisation of each boat.

Read more about the Recreational Craft Directive and CE marking
Look at sample page from our RCD Guidelines
Look at sample pages from a typical Technical File

Structural assessments

Although many builders produce boats to scantlings which have been proved over many years, Small Craft Consultancy can produce technical assessments of vessel structures using Lloyds Register Special Service Craft, ISO 12215 etc. Ideally, such assessments should be carried out prior to construction to avoid expensive remedial work further down the line.

Stability assessments

Offset load tests are required for category C and D, the method of which is detailed in our RCD Guidelines manuals. Small Craft Consultancy can also carry out inclining test and, given adequate information on the hull form, produce GZ curves for higher category craft.

Pre-purchase surveys

The boat which may seem ideal from the broker's description may have serious defects which are not apparent from a brief inspection and could be very expensive to rectify. An out of the water condition survey will give the prospective buyer an in-depth assessment of the boat's condition. The survey report may be used to enable the buyer to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price, or at worst, enable him to ask for the return of his deposit and look for a better proposition.

Once the sale has been clinched, the survey report will give the buyer a breakdown of what remedial work needs to be carried out and will also advise on maintenance issues. It will also cover areas where the vessel does not meet Boat Safety Scheme standards if applicable. It can also be beneficial to have an up-to-date survey report when it comes to insuring the boat.

If there is some doubt about the fundamental condition of the vessel, a preliminary inspection will give a general indication of its suitability without incurring the expense of slipping or craning charges. The preliminary inspection gives no detailed findings and is not a substitute for a full out of the water survey.

Look at a sample Pre-purchase Survey

Insurance surveys

Insurance companies often consider older craft to be a greater risk and routinely ask for some form of condition inspection if a boat is 15 or 20 years old. The inspection is normally an assessment of hull condition including ultra sonic thickness readings for craft with metallic hulls or moisture readings for FRP hulled vessels. Boat owners also appreciate the reassurance that their craft are still in serviceable condition, or if not, they find out what remedial work is necessary to make them serviceable once more.

General arrangement and specification

Many builders do not have the facilities to produce layout drawings for their customers. In consultation with their clients, Small Craft Consultancy can produce CAD drawings of proposed layouts so that they can convey their ideas to the builders.

We can also produce detailed written specifications of the features and equipment to be incorporated in the project. The drawing and specification will enable builders to give accurate costings and should ensure that the end product meets the client’s requirements.

In-build inspection

Many clients who are having a new boat built are concerned that they do not have the time or the technical expertise to ensure that the boat builder produces the boat they want.

Small Craft Consultancy can accompany the client to visit prospective builders and advise from the design stage on layout, equipment etc. and make several inspections during construction to ensure that the boat is being built to the agreed plans and specification.

Boat Safety Scheme (BSS)

The majority of boats operated on British Waterways or Environment Agency waters need to be assessed for compliance with the Boat Safety Scheme regulations. As mentioned above, Boat Safety Scheme issues are highlighted in full condition surveys and will also be considered in new build projects. We can also examine boats for BSS compliance which are moored within a 20 mile radius of our base.

Read more about the Boat Safety Scheme examination