Behind the Scenes in Building and Certifying a Boat - By: markbrown

The risks involved in sailing and boating increase with the boat’s inefficient design. Thousands of cases of sinking were reported to have been caused by poorly constructed and managed boats. Like any vehicle, a boat must undergo various tests to secure its strength and durability, which will keep passengers and sailors safe during travel. Typically, a manufacturer whose boat design had passed tests administered by recognized inspecting organizations obtains boat CE marking for his products. This is a seal that represents that a boat is manufactured in strict accordance with safety standards.

There are several things that a boat manufacturer has to comply with to get his designs certified. His boat must endure the maximum hydraulic and aerodynamic pressure enlisted in the standards. These standards are a compilation or summary of the boat design standards in many countries. If followed, a manufacturer can come up with the strongest boats that can last intact even amid the onslaught of strong storms and giant waves.

Before displaying in the showroom, the certifying organization will inspect whether a manual for how the boat is run in detail is provided. The manual must contain all parts of the boat with explanation of how they work and the features the can facilitate its use. All information needed to be included in the manual are stated in the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD). A missing component or anything unexplained clearly is tantamount to failure to comply with the standards to obtain boat CE marking.

Before sending for inspection, the manufacturer must provide a declaration of conformation (DoC). This is in addition to the many documents supporting the claim that the boat is of high quality. In a DoC, the manufacturer states in the declaration that the policing and harbor authorities, insurance companies, and other professionals or agencies involved in the selling and use of the boat are given authority to inspect the boat.

If passed, the manufacturer then attaches the builder’s plate, including the CE marking before displaying finally the boat in the showroom. Engraved on the plate are the information about the maximum number of passengers to be carried, minimum allowable power, and design category. This is an important identification that must be placed in the most visible part of the boat.

The builder’s plate is different from the plate that contains the identification number showing the country or the builder’s code, year, make, and model, although these information can be placed in a single plate for a more efficient design. The boat’s serial number must also be included, particularly near the boat CE marking. All these information must be sent to the inspecting organization for approval.

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