Recreational Craft Directive
The following craft are within the scope of the European Recreational Craft Directive (RCD):
- Recreational Craft from 2.5m up to 24m in length.
- Personal Water Craft (PWC) - otherwise known as "jet skis"
Since 1st January 2006, the noise and exhaust emissions of propulsion engines of recreational craft in Europe have been part of the RCD scope.
In addition to craft and their engines, the following products (if pre-fabricated), fitted on european recreational craft, are also within the scope:
- Ignition-protected equipment for inboard and stern drive engines
- Start-in-gear protection devices for outboard motors
- Steering wheels, steering mechanisms and cable assemblies
- Fuel tanks intended for fixed installations and fuel hoses
- Prefabricated hatches and portlights
European based vessels or components within the scope of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) must have a CE marking and conform to the Directives. Some of the above components do not need CE marks if fabricated with the boat. Contact CE proof for details.
Exclusions
There are certain types of vessel excluded from the European RCD, including:
- craft intended solely for racing
- canoes
- kayaks
- pedalos
- sailboards
- powered surfboards
- original, and individual replicas of, historical craft designed before 1950, built predominantly with the original materials
- experimental craft not subsequently put on the market
- craft built for own use, provided they are not sold for a period of five years from completion
- commercial and passenger vessels
- submersibles
- air cushion vehicles
- hydrofoils
