Rules
without enforcement are no rules at all
by Geoff Waddington IIMS Past President and HonFIIMS
Many of you may recall an open letter published by the IIMS to the worldwide yacht and boat manufacturing industry, which was released in October 2019. This was written about professional standards and the response to known defects in vessels, engines and equipment. Although we wanted to bring the issues to peoples’ attention, we certainly weren’t expecting to bring about any meaningful changes and, unsurprisingly, it appears that nothing has altered. What has changed, however, are the rules in this area since Brexit.
Before we look at some of the failings which have recently crossed my desk I think that it is best that we look at the changes to the Rules and Regulations first for this purpose, and for clarity, and to avoid any misunderstandings in the following text sections I have downloaded directly as published on behalf of
GOV.UK by The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). The points of interest in all of this I have highlighted in bold text.
This information all refers to the current marine market rules and regulations.
The UK left the EU at the end of 31 January 2020. This kick started a transition period that formally ended on 31 December 2020.
• The RCD (Recreational Craft Directive) is the original European Union directive (Directive 2013/53/EU) concerning the design and construction of recreational boats, setting essential safety requirements for boats sold within the EU.
• The RCR (Recreational Craft Regulations). Following Brexit, the UK incorporated the EU rules into its own law. The RCR is the UK equivalent and currently mirrors the EU RCD.
• Key point: While they are currently the same document in principle, the RCR is now the legally applicable regulation for selling a boat in the UK, superseding the RCD in a legal sense within the UK's jurisdiction. The EU RCD remains applicable for selling a boat in the EU.
The Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 implement Directive 2013/53/ EU on recreational craft and personal watercraft. The EU Withdrawal Act 2018 preserved the 2017 Regulations and enabled them to be amended so as to continue to function effectively now the UK has left the EU. Accordingly, Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 fixed any deficiencies that arose from the UK leaving the EU (such as references to EU institutions) and made specific provision for the GB market.
THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 63
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