Prior to the introduction of this, formally known as Recreational Craft Directive (RCD), boat builders did not have any minimum standards that they had to adhere to in order to ensure that customers were being supplied with a safe to use boat.  The introduction of the Boat Safety Scheme in 1995 was brought in to ensure that existing boats achieved base standards that assured they were safe to use.  In particular the focus was to ensure that owners were protected against potential gas leaks, toxic fumes, fires and other similar dangerous hazards.  This lead the way for setting industry standards that ensured that new boats were fit for purpose, including being safe to use.

Initially the Recreational Craft Directive was voluntary in the late 1990’s becoming mandatory to adhere to by 2000.

As the regulations are a directive, to a certain extent boat builders are left to interpret as best they see fit.  Consequently we have heard of some “New” boats that having left a builder with an RCR, have subsequently failed their first Boat Safety Examination 4 years later.

This is why to provide customers with the ultimate peace of mind Perrydale Narrowboats use an independent surveyor to monitor their adherence to the RCR and to compile the final manual on their behalf.

The regulations are updated on a regular basis, which is another reason why we use an independent surveyor to ensure that we promptly keep up with these changes.

Current key RCR requirements that are unpopular with clients and which we subsequently seek to meet with a winning solution are: