To enable new vessels to be freely sold or transferred anywhere within the Economic Union (EU), they have to comply with the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD).

As the UK has left the EU, this does not apply to vessels in the UK, with the Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR) now applicable.

The Directive still applies to vessels in the EU even if made in the UK. It stipulates Essential Requirements (ERs) which have to be met and conformity with the ERs allows the craft to be CE marked. In simple terms, under the Directive, all complete boats first used, sold or transferred, for recreational purposes, must meet the ERs and be CE marked – by law.

However, it should be noted that the Directive only relates to the first use, sale or transfer, with no requirement for compliance with the Directive after that date, unless the craft goes through major craft conversion. Further, there is no requirement for a vessel CE marked when first used, sold or transferred to be maintained to the Directive. Therefore, the CE marking of a second-hand craft for sale does not guarantee that it is fit for the purpose or has been maintained to any particular standard.

The ERs include those aspects involved with:

The vessel must also include:

Watercraft Identification Number (WIN), Builder's Plate and Owner's Manual.

The boat builder, or whoever places the vessel on the market, or transfers the craft, must show that the ERs have been addressed. This can be by reference to published standards, such as European Standards, or other means, such as documented history of satisfactory performance.

The new CE marked boat must carry a Declaration of Conformity, which should include:

Manufacturer's name & address
A description of the craft
Details of the standards used to satisfy the ERs
Authorised Signatory

Part-completed craft have to be CE marked to show conformity to the RCD when ownership transfers from the professional builder to the first owner. The Declaration of Conformity from the builder for such craft, should list only the ERs which have been met at the point of sale and how they have been met.

There are a number of types of craft excluded from the RCD, including:

Surfboards
Experimental craft
Air cushion vehicles
Canoes, kayaks, gondolas & pedalos
Submersibles
Hydrofoils

Replicas of historic craft designed before 1950, using original materials

Craft built for own use (no matter how old) has to go through Post Construction Assessment.