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)
It 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
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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
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.