This document is an excerpt from the EUR-Lex website
Directive 2013/53/EU on recreational craft and personal watercraft
The directive lays down requirements for manufacturers, importers and distributors of watercraft, and builds on legislation adopted in 2003, which included limits on engine exhaust emissions (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulates) and noise levels to reflect technological developments that have resulted in improved environmental performance.
Design categories
The new directive specifies design categories (A, B, C and D) for boats, based on suitability for navigation conditions such as ranges of wind force and significant wave height.
CE marking
All watercraft, designated components and propulsion engines are subject to CE marking, indicating that a product complies with the relevant EU legislation. CE marking has to be affixed on the craft builder’s plate, mounted separately from the craft’s identification number in the case of watercraft and directly on the engine in the case of a propulsion engine.
Other essential requirements include:
Implementing acts
The European Commission is empowered to adopt implementing acts. Implementing Regulation 2017/1 on watercraft identification clarifies the definitions of watercraft identification’s components. It also introduces the procedures for assignment and administration of watercraft identification numbers. The implementing decisions on the publication of the list of harmonised standards* related to recreational craft and personal watercraft are published and updated regularly (see also standardisation).
Repeal
It repeals Directive 94/25/EC with effect from 18 January 2016.
The directive had to be transposed into national law by 18 January 2016. These rules have applied since 18 January 2016.
Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on recreational craft and personal watercraft and repealing Directive 94/25/EC (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, pp. 90–131).
Successive amendments to Directive 2013/53/EU have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1 of 3 January 2017 on procedures for watercraft identification under Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on recreational craft and personal watercraft (OJ L 1, 4.1.2017, pp. 1–5).
last update 28.10.2022