Recreational Craft and Personal Watercraft Directive

Current Version: Recreational Craft and Personal Watercraft Directive (2013/53/EU)

Reference Number: 2013/53/EU

Official Title: 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.

Directive 2013/53/EU was published on 28 December 2013, and came into force 20 days later. The transition period during which the old Recreational craft Directive 94/25/EC could be used ended on 18 January 2017.

The Directive aims to ensure a high level of safety for users and regulate exhaust and noise emissions of engine-powered recreational craft. It also harmonises rules governing the sale of recreational craft in the EU.

Definitions

  • Watercraft: Any recreational or personal watercraft.
  • Recreational craft: Watercraft for sports/leisure, 2.5 m to 24 m hull length.
  • Personal watercraft: Watercraft under 4 m with jet propulsion, operated by standing/kneeling/sitting on it.
  • Propulsion engine: Spark/compression ignition internal combustion engines for propulsion.

Products Covered

  • Recreational and personal watercraft (complete and partly completed)
  • Components listed in Annex II
  • Propulsion engines (including major modifications)
  • Watercraft undergoing major craft conversion

Exemptions

The Directive does not apply to:

  • Racing watercraft, canoes, kayaks, surfboards, gondolas, pedalos
  • Original historical watercraft and replicas (pre-1950)
  • Experimental watercraft not placed on the market
  • Privately built watercraft (not sold for 5 years after service)
  • Commercial passenger watercraft, submersibles, air cushion vehicles, hydrofoils
  • Steam-powered watercraft (coal, wood, oil, gas)
  • Amphibious vehicles (operable on land and water)

Compliance Process

  • Internal Production Control (Self-Certification): For craft in design category D and category C (LH < 12m).
  • Third-Party Certification: Required for all other categories, with Dymer India Certifications or other notified bodies involved.

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