Recreational Craft in the UK

Recreational craft operating in the UK may have varying requirements placed upon them depending on their age and their regular cruising grounds.  Please note that due to the constantly evolving nature of the marine industry this list should not be considered exhaustive.  Please contact the Technical Department for further information at technical@britishmarine.co.uk

Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)

The RCD sets out a uniform level of safety requirements in the design and manufacture of recreational craft throughout the European Economic Area.  It covers craft to be used for sporting and recreational purposes with hull lengths between 2.5 and 24 metres (with some specific exclusions), as well as certain items of equipment. Compliance is mandatory for all new craft placed on the EU market after 1998.

For further details of the RCD please click here.

Boat Safety Scheme (BSS)

The Boat Safety Scheme, or BSS, is a public safety initiative owned by the Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency.  Its purpose is to help minimise the risk of boat fires, explosions, or pollution harming visitors to the inland waterways, the waterways' workforce and any other users.  Compliance is a compulsory requisite of obtaining a navigation licence on certain Navigation Authorities waterways.

For further details of the BSS please click here.

Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA)

The MCA provide information on the regulations applicable to pleasure vessels. Click here to read more