Recreational craft directive

[Gavin Brunton]

Hi all I am looking at two self builds to buy at the moment and they are both self builds. They were both sold within two years of completion so by law would need to be made Rcd compliant before the initial sale. How do I know if the boats were made Rcd compliant or the builder just got a cin from the Rya and sold them illegally? Should they have a document supporting there Rcd compliance?

[youthoftoday]

Looking at this document, I would expect:

• technical file
• declaration of conformity
• owner's manual

[rjasmith]

Youthoftoday is right but I would add that the Owners Manual and Declaration of Conformity should be the only documents you would expect to be available with/in the boat.

 

The Technical File should have been written up by the Boat Builder (the person who signed the DoC) but should be kept by him and not passed on to subsequent boat owners. The Tech File is the evidence that Trading Stds would ask to see if they were called in at some stage by someone wanting to challenge the RCD compliance.

 

As these boats were self builds, I would certainly ask if the Tech File could be made available to you for a quick read but without access to all the ISO standards it will refer to, it might not mean a lot! I suppose you could show it to a surveyor or other knowledgeable person if you have one in tow.

 

Other things to look for of course are a properly engraved Builders Plate and also the CIN itself which should be indelibly marked on the starboard side of the stern in figs/letters at least 6mm high.

 

Have a look at the Hants Trading Standards web page here for additional info. The tabs at the top of their page will bring up different topics.

 

Richard

[Alan de Enfield]

Category D boats (which includes canal boats) can be self certified by the builder - they do not need any approvals or certification from surveyors etc.

You are therefore relying on the builder understanding about stability, gas, electric, exhaust fumes, noise emissions etc etc

 

If the boat is not RCD compliant then - although many dont, the seller/builder should pay for a certificate of exemption (cost about £300) which then 'proves' that the boat was completed 5 years before sale.

 

This will give you an overview ;

 

http://www.small-craft-consultancy.com/refpg1.html

 

Note that if you buy an non-compliant boat and your death is as a result of incorrect fitting out etc than the builder is still responsible and your heirs can get a bit of cash back.

 

The RCD status of your boat is very important. The documentation as described above belongs with the boat and should be handed over to the new owner. You could be liable for claims against you if the boat and/or the documentation, do not comply.

Like anything - you pays your money and takes your chance.

 

I would not buy a boat without an RCD, and especially a home-build.

 

Having a survey will not necessarily identify potential RCD faults, and the BSS doesnt cover everything the RCD does, so you cannot rely on that.

[Rob@BSSOffice]

This will give you an overview ;

 

http://www.small-craft-consultancy.com/refpg1.html

 

 

 

Yep - Jonathan Leask is very good source of help. He will be able to tell you whether these vessels can go for straightforward completion and CE-Marking or whether a post-construction assessment is needed

[dor]

If the RCD has been written by the self-builder, get the boat surveyor to check it; there are some very poor items out there, which wouldn't comply. Much better if an independent surveyor checked the boat for compliance and prepared the documents at the time.

Edited August 2, 2014 by dor

[raymondh]

Hi,

I doubt many self buiders who do not use a professional to certify the build as RCD complient would have the information reqquired

to build/fit the craft to the required standards

From memory there are 13+ BS ISO standards to build to and at a cost of around £150 each not an everyday purchase

If lucky some libraries give access to the BS

Also the standards are changed and updated so in the event of a none compient self build under 5 years old which standards would have to be met

to gain RCD certification ready for sale?

Ray

[David Mack]

And by offering a non-RCD-compliant boat for sale within 5 years, whether or not it has actually been sold, the vendor has broken the law.

[Detling]

I would also get the vendor to pay for a BSS test and correct any failings, I understand over 30% of boats fail the first test as RCD and BSS look for different things.

[Gavin Brunton]

Thank you guys this is all invaluable information. I have chosen to go with a Selfbuild that was sold after the 5 year period so the RCD is not applicable. Hopefully the boat safety certificate is enough to ensure it is safe

[Alan de Enfield]

Just check that it is 5 years AFTER COMPLETION / PUTTING IN THE WATER - not 5 years from the date the self builder received the Hull.

 

Has it got 5 years+ worth of licence discs ?

[Rob@BSSOffice]

Thank you guys this is all invaluable information. I have chosen to go with a Selfbuild that was sold after the 5 year period so the RCD is not applicable. Hopefully the boat safety certificate is enough to ensure it is safe

 

Hi Gavin

The BSS certificate will absolutely not ensure it is safe. This link explains why I make this perhaps counter-intuitive statement http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/boat-examination/arranging-the-examination/about-the-bss-certificate/

 

It is probably a good idea to choose a self-build older than five years.

 

Regards