Recreational Craft Directive

The Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) was introduced by the European Commission in 1994 to ensure a uniform level of safety in the design and manufacture of recreational craft throughout the European Economic Area. The directive came into force in 16th June 1996 with conformity being voluntary until 16th June 1998. After this time, the RCD became mandatory. An amendment was introduced in 2004, with the intention of incorporating marine engines (noise and exhaust) and jet ski craft within the scope of the Directive.

The Directive applies to all craft intended to be used for sporting and recreational purposes with a hull length of between 2.5 and 24 metres, which will be placed for the first time on the European Market. There are a number of Exclusions:
• craft intended solely for racing
• canoes, kayaks, gondolas and pedaloes
• surfboards and sailboards
• historical replicas
• submersibles
• hovercraft and hydrofoils
• craft intended to be crewed and to carry passengers for commercial purposes (these are covered by another directive)
• Self built (not subcontracted) craft for own use provided they are not subsequently placed on the market for at least five years

The Recreational Craft Directive consists of essential requirements. Compliance with these essential requirements can be shown by using the harmonized ISO standards.