A USERS GUIDE TO THE RECREATIONAL CRAFT DIRECTIVE

 What is the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) ?
​
The RCD is a legal requirement in European Member States (EEA)
Recreational crafts must conform to the Essential Requirements which include the Essential Safety Requirements (ESR)
RCD is good for consumers as it details the minimum acceptable standards for the design and construction of recreational craft. Manufacturers also recommend design categories and maximum recommended loads, which can be found on the builders plate.

It is suggested that some caution is exercised when applying Design Categories, as the User's experience and skill must also be taken into consideration.
Read on, Which Boats 'Need to Comply' - Click Here to Continue:
A Few Points 'Worth Considering' are - View Information

RCD Design Category Conditions in the English Channel . . .
The chart below, reproduced with the kind permission of CE Proof,
gives an indication of the "RCD conditions" likely to be experienced
in the Channel at certain times of the year.

The above was measured at the Channel Lighthouse in the 1970s
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DESIGN CATEGORIES:

​Category	Significant Wave	​Height Beaufort
​A - Ocean	Exceeding 4m	Exceeding 8
​B - Offshore	​Up to & including 4m	Up to & including 8
​C - Inshore	Up to & including 2m	​Up to & including 6
​D - Sheltered	​Up to & including 0.5m	​Up to & including 4

Significant wave height means the average height of the highest 1/3rd of the waves over a given period. Waves of double that height may occasionally be experienced. It is possible for a vessel to have a CE marking in more than one design category provided all requirements for those categories are met.

Further information on RCD
is available from HPiVS
For further information: www.eucertification.co