Reducing air pollution from leisure boats and personal watercraft

KEY POINTS

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:

• an identification number for each watercraft and a requirement to carry the craft’s builder’s plate;
• the need for craft to be designed to minimise the risk of falling overboard and to allow for easy reboarding;
• good all-round visibility for the operator, under normal conditions;
• a written manual to accompany all craft to ensure their safe use;
• sufficient structure, stability and buoyancy in accordance with its design category;
• an emergency stopping device for all tiller-controlled outboard propulsion engines.

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 standards¹ 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.