CE Certification
What is the cost?
Typically the cost is approximately 2200 Euros plus travel expenses (excludes VAT) for a 2004 or newer boat to Category C &D boat (See below for Category descriptions). This includes the CE certificate, inspection, documentation, amended owner’s manual, builder’s plate, and supplementary hull number plates. Additional costs may be applicable for Category B and Category A boats in order to calculate the vessel’s inherent stability. The costs for the additional documentation may include an incline test, hull measurement, stability calculations, and determination of righting moments. We will quote a price to you if you require this type of stability assessment.
Can any boat be CE certified?
Typically that answer is yes as long as the boat is in good structural condition. However, there are differing strategies that we may have employ to certify the boat. One method is to downgrade the boat’s category designation. Depending on the accuracy or absence of stability information we may sometimes downgrade the category, from Cat A to Cat B, or from Cat B to Cat C. Sometimes this is a cost savings issue to meet compliance, but in many cases, the boat requires extensive changes or simply cannot pass the requirements. Generally, the most important issue is engine emissions (see next question).
What are the engine emissions requirements?
This is the most important requirement, because failure to meet the minimum EU standards will require a repowering of the vessel prior to issuance of a certificate. Typically there is an engine emissions plate indicating a certain certification located somewhere on the engine. It is required that you send us a photograph of the engine(s), emissions plate(s), and serial number(s) for verification. If we do not have this information, we will not be able to proceed with your certification. The following is the current engine emissions certification requirements
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Regulation Comparison for CI Engines (Diesel)
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EU 97/86/EC [stage 2, P > 37 kW]
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EU 97/68/EC as amended by 2004/26/EC [stage IIIA, IIIB, IV P>37 kW]
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USA EPA Commercional Marine 1999 (40 CFR 94.212)
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USA EPA Recreational Marine 2002 (40 CFR 94.212)
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EU 88/77/EEC as amended by 2001/27/EC
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UN Regulation ECE-R96 as amended by Series
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OB/PWC Engines
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Lake Constance Shipping Ordinance
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(BSO stage 1, Annex C) 4stroke > 10 kW
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Lake Constance Shipping Ordinance
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(BSO stage 2, Annex C)
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US Environmental Protection 2008 Non Road SI Rule
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EPA 2010 OB/PWC (40 CFR 94.212)
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CARB 13, CCR, section 2440 SD/I rule (stage 3)
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13 CA ADC §2443.1 cl. C
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Regulation Comparison for SI Engines (Gasoline)
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Lake Constance Shipping Ordinance
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(BSO stage 1, Annex C) 4stroke > 10 kW
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Lake Constance Shipping Ordinance
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(BSO stage 2, Annex C)
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US Environmental Protection 2008 Non Road SI Rule
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EPA 2010 SD/I (40 CFR 94.212)
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CARB 13, CCR, section 2440 SD/I rule (stage 1 – 4)
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13 CA ADC §2443.1 cl. C
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What are the design categories?
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Design category |
Wind force
(Beaufort scale) |
Significant wave height
(H 1/3, meters) |
A - Ocean
B - Offshore
C - Inshore
D - Sheltered waters |
exceeding 8
up to, and including, 8 up to, and including, 6 up to, and including, 4 |
exceeding 4
up to, and including, 4 up to, and including, 2 up to, and |
A: OCEAN
Designed for extended voyages where conditions may exceed wind force 8 (Beaufort scale) and significant wave heights of 4 m and above but excluding abnormal conditions, and vessels largely self-sufficient.
B: OFFSHORE
Designed for offshore voyages where conditions up to, and including, wind force 8 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 4 m may be experienced.
C: INSHORE
Designed for voyages in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers where conditions up to, and including, wind force 6 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 2 m may be experienced.
D: SHELTERED WATERS
Designed for voyages on sheltered coastal waters, small bays, small lakes, rivers and canals when conditions up to, and including, wind force 4 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 0,3 m may be experienced, with occasional waves of 0,5 m maximum height, for example from passing vessels.
Does the category designation restrict where the boat can operate?
In short “No”, but there are some countries like France and Spain that may limit the distance from shore based on the design category. We can usually get a local official to issue an exemption to extend this restriction for some boat models.
The official wording from the EU states that “The Design category parameters are intended to define the physical conditions that might arise in any category for design evaluation, and are not intended for limiting the use of the recreational craft in any geographical areas of operation, after it has been put into service.”
What are the requirements sound emissions?
All boats must pass the sound emission requirements (75 decibels for single engine and 78 decibels for twins, triples, quads at 25 meters traveling at WOT. Most outboards and stern-drive will pass this requirement if they are 2006 or newer.
We have a lot of info on many boats and can generally create a professional opinion. If there is no supporting sound data, boats will have to be tested. We have the equipment to do this testing. The challenge is to find a suitable location to set up the equipment and space to run the boat at WOT. It is best to contact us to find out if this test is needed.
How long does it take before I receive my certificate?
You should receive your certificate approximately 3-6 weeks after the inspection and repair of any variances (items that need to be changed).
Do we have re-inspect the changes?
Typically, all we require is a detailed digital photograph or other documentation to support/document the changes.
Do you also conduct a vessel condition and value survey?
We recommend that a survey be completed prior to the CE inspection, but we can provide this service for you as well.
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