The EU Directive on Recreational Craft, 94/25/EC, entered into force 16 June 1998; latest amended by Commissions Directive 2003/44/EC.
The Directive is based on the principles of the New Approach which provide for CE marking, and requires all boats from 2.5 m up to 24 m hull length, personal watercraft and certain components to bear the CE marked prior to placing on the EEA market.
DNV has been appointed Notified Body by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, and has been assigned the identification number 0575 by the EU Commission.
DNV will, according to the Notification, carry out assessment services as required by the procedure described in the RCD.
DNV also offer voluntary certification services of boats and components not within the scope of the Directives.
EC - Directive and CE-marking of the product
As part of the harmonisation of product certification within the EEA, the EC-Directive on Recreational Craft (94/25/EC) was implemented on June 16, 1998 and amended by Directive 2003/44/EC on January 1, 2005.
CE-marking represents conformity with this Directive and is the responsibility of the manufacturer (or his representative in the EEA). Following this a "Declaration of Conformity" must be issued by the manufacturer or his representative.
Conformity Assessment
The Directive requires conformity assessment to be carried out before the “Declaration of Conformity” can be issued and the mark of conformity can be affixed to the product.
Conformity assessment is subdivided into modules which relate to the design and production phases. There is a variety of modules covering the design and production phases. The manufacturer may, dependent on type of product, choose between different modules.
Notified Body
Some assessment modules require a Notified Body to take action. DNV’s notification covers all modules, design, construction, sound- and exhaust emissions and products, as specified in the Directive.
The Recreational Craft Sectoral Group (RSG)
RSG has been established to assist in the uniform application and interpretation of the Recreational Craft Directive by all Notified Bodies and others parties with valid interest. DNV is member of RSG.
DNV Certification of Recreational Craft
DNV certification implies involvement by DNV as Notified Body both in the design and production phase. DNV certified craft are equipped with the "DNV Certification Plate".
Previous voluntary boat certification (1970 – 1998)
DNV has over several years rendered voluntary certification services within the Recreational Craft segment. Previous certified boats were designed, constructed and equipped in accordance with Nordic Boat Standard. These rules were worked out by DNV in cooperation with the Nordic maritime authorities. Since the first edition of the rules in 1969 until the Recreational Craft Directive entered into force in 1998 was it through the Nordic collaboration certified more than 1 000 000 boats of 1650 boat types built by 600 yards.