If you’re buying or selling a boat, you may have heard about the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) — or, here in the UK, the Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR). These regulations set out safety and construction standards for most types of recreational boats, helping to ensure vessels meet essential safety, environmental, and design requirements.
Understanding the Recreational Craft Directive
The RCD was first introduced across Europe in 1994 and became mandatory from 16th June 1998. It applies to nearly all recreational craft — whether brand new or second-hand boats imported into the UK or EU from places like the USA or China. It can also apply to commercial vessels that are later repurposed for recreational use, no matter how old they are.
In the UK, the RCD is now mirrored by the Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR), which came into force on 3rd August 2017 (often referred to as RCD II). The regulations are essentially the same and continue to apply to most boats placed on the UK market.
What is the RCD?
The RCD was first introduced across Europe in 1994 and became mandatory from 16th June 1998. It applies to nearly all recreational craft — whether brand new or second-hand boats imported into the UK or EU from places like the USA or China. It can also apply to commercial vessels that are later repurposed for recreational use, no matter how old they are.
In the UK, the RCD is now mirrored by the Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR), which came into force on 3rd August 2017 (often referred to as RCD II). The regulations are essentially the same and continue to apply to most boats placed on the UK market.
What Should an RCD-Compliant Boat Include?
A properly certified boat under the RCD/RCR will have:
- A Watercraft Identification Number (WIN) permanently marked on the starboard side of the transom, plus a second hidden WIN located elsewhere on the hull.
- A Builder’s Plate fixed to the boat that identifies the manufacturer.
- A Declaration of Conformity, signed and dated by the builder or manufacturer.
- An Owner’s Manual.
The Declaration of Conformity outlines which safety and design standards the boat meets. Importantly, the WIN should relate to the builder who completed the boat, not just the shell manufacturer.
From August 2017, if a part-completed boat is sold to its first owner, it must meet RCR compliance and include a Declaration of Conformity to Annex IV, not Annex IIIa as was previously accepted. Transfers between professional builders may still use Annex III documentation.
Can I Buy a Boat Without an RCD?
Yes, you can — However, check out this information first:
- Brand New Boats: These must meet RCR compliance and include the correct documentation (Declaration of Conformity, Builder’s Plate, WIN, and Owner’s Manual).
- Second-Hand Boats: If the boat was built before June 1998, it won’t have needed to meet the RCD in the first place. If the boat was built after that date but doesn’t appear to be RCD-compliant, it’s still legal to sell and buy.
So yes, if you are buying a second hand boat then the RCD only applies to second-hand boats if they:
- Have been imported,
- Were previously used commercially,
- Or have undergone a Major Craft Conversion (more on that below).
What Is a Major Craft Conversion (MCC)?
A Major Craft Conversion (MCC) refers to any significant modification that could affect a boat’s compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Examples include:
- Converting a “sailaway” shell into a fully fitted boat.
- Swapping a diesel engine for an electric motor.
- Installing an engine of a different power than originally intended.
- Changing the internal layout in a way that affects balance or drainage.
- Installing a wood-burning stove or changing battery types (e.g. from lead acid to lithium).
If a boat within the scope of the RCR has had an MCC after 3rd August 2017, it must undergo a Post Construction Assessment (PCA), which can only be carried out by a certified Approved Body. The PCA ensures the boat remains safe and compliant, and the Approved Body will issue a new WIN and supporting documents.
It’s important to note:
- If you make a major modification and want to sell the boat afterwards, the PCA is legally required.
- However, if a previous owner made the modifications, not the current owner, it’s not illegal to sell the boat.
What is a Post Construction Assessment (PCA)
A Post Construction Assessment is required for any vessel that is not newly built by a professional boatbuilder but is being placed on the market or put into service. This often includes:
- Part-completed boats (such as sailaways) that have been fitted out privately by their owner.
- Boats built after June 1998 that have undergone a Major Craft Conversion since 3rd August 2017.
The PCA process involves a full independent assessment of the vessel to ensure it conforms to the RCR and meets all Essential Requirements and applicable standards. Any areas of non-compliance must be resolved before a Post Construction Conformity Report can be issued.
Once successfully completed, the boat will receive:
- A new Builder’s Plate,
- A Watercraft Identification Number (WIN),
- An updated Owner’s Manual,
- And most importantly, certification confirming the vessel’s compliance.
For further details information or clarification on any of the points above re recommend contacting Approved Bodies such as British Marine who will be able to assist you further.
This information is given for guidance only. We would strongly suggest any buyers or sellers seek further advice if they require.
Suggested Guidance from British Marine
If You Are Selling . . .
As a Broker, our understanding is that your vessel should have been built and correctly CE marked to satisfy the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive. If there no such proof provided by yourself, the vessel can be legally sold but you should satisfy yourself of any such implications that may arise from selling the vessel.
The only way to mitigate all risk to you as the vendor is for you to instruct a PCA to be undertaken, however it is not a requirement for you to do this.
If You Are Buying . . .
As a Broker, our understanding is that the vessel you are purchasing should have been built and correctly CE marked to satisfy the requirements of the Recreational Craft Regulations. If there is no such proof provided by the vessel owner then the purchase IS NOT illegal, although you should satisfy yourself of any implications that may arise from purchasing the vessel.
Please Note –
The information provided above is intended as a general guide to help you understand the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD), Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR), Major Craft Conversions, and Post Construction Assessments. While we’ve done our best to ensure the content is accurate and up to date, regulations can change and individual circumstances vary.
If you are unsure about how the RCD or RCR may apply to your vessel — whether you are buying, selling, or modifying a boat — we strongly recommend that you seek advice from an Approved Body or a recognised organisation such as British Marine.
Nationwide Boat Sales cannot be held liable for any actions taken based on this guidance without appropriate professional verification.