Recreational Craft Directive Application Guide III

The EU Commission has released the updated Recreational Craft Directive Application Guide (3rd edition) that incorporates all recent changes approved by the RCD Expert Group:

A number of updates have been included (see attached explanatory note), including on the following documents – please note below the most significant for industry to be aware of:

  • Article 2.2(a)(ii) - Canoes and kayaks designed to be propelled solely by human power, gondolas and pedalos: Clarification of scope
  • Article 3.7 – Definitions – Major craft conversion: Addition of wording from Blue Guide to support definition of “new product” concept for major craft conversion
  • Article 3.13 – Definitions – Putting into service: Additional of examples of when “putting into service” takes place after “placing on the market”
  • Article 7.4 - Obligations of manufacturers: Change to directly permit making owner’s manual available in digital format with certain specifications and conditions
  • Article 7.4 - Obligations of manufacturers: Change to directly permit making Declaration of Conformity available in digital format with certain specifications and conditions, such as minimum availability
  • Annex I.A.5.7 – Navigation lights, shapes and sound signals: Update of reference to COLREGs and relevant regulations
  • Annex V.2 – Private importers – technical documentation: Specification that technical documentation has to be developed independent of a notified body, and minor specifications surrounding the requirements
  • Annex V.3 – Post construction assessment for major craft conversion: Specification for scope of assessment by notified bodies, and potential limiting of scope after major craft conversion / major engine modification to those essential requirements which are affected by the modification or conversion, as well as keeping proportionality and avoiding unnecessary burden

Please note that the Application Guide is to be seen as advising on implementation of the RCD with more detail and examples, but the legal text remains legally binding. It is however advised to closely follow the guide.

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