Boating is a popular and fun water sports and many people across the globe share passion for this activity. However, there are different laws and regulations regarding boats and boating in various countries. These laws are designed by taking into consideration different things such as safety, environment and products quality. The European Union has incorporated the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and since 1998, it is applicable on importing boats in the EU.

These regulations consist of some essential requirements that are applied on all crafts between 2.5 metres to 24 metres in length, which are to be imported to the EU for the first time. The European Union consists of all European countries with Norway and Iceland. The government has designed a label, which must be placed on products after meeting all essential requirements and before importing them into the European Economic market. The label is called CE mark (Conformit© Europ©enne) that ensures the European government about the quality of the products.

Apart from boats, you can also find this quality mark on other products such as toys, medical equipments, cosmetics, electric appliances and more. Well, let's come back to the topic; boats. As a buyer, you have to check for CE mark while purchasing a boat. This mark on the boat will ensure personal safety, environmental safety and compliance to government directives. It is a mandatory mark for all recreational crafts to sail freely on European water.

There are many companies, which help in CE marking process and you can search for them on the Web. The service is obviously expensive but offers various benefits. Your vessel is checked for exhaust and noise emission and sometimes it can also go under complete reconstruction if it does not comply with the essential requirements. The examining officers will check your boat for all essential requirements.

The most important benefit of owning a CE boat is legal safety. A CE mark on the boat helps in complying with the law as the government regards this label as a guarantee of compliance with the RCD. It is the duty of a manufacturer as well as an importer (or buyer) to make sure that a boat is CE marked. Apart from legal benefit, a quality boat also help in keeping a check on the health of the marine life as it is checked for exhaust emission, noise emission and other things. Also, in case of any damage, the initials CE will make you liable for higher compensation from the insurance company. Thus, RCD makes your boating experience safe and fun.