Prior to the introduction of this, boat builders did not have any minimum standards that they had to adhere to, 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 and 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 their purpose, including being safe to use.

Initially the Recreational Craft Directive was voluntary in the late 1990’s becoming mandatory to adhere to in the early nineties noughties. 

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

The Recreational Craft Directive has been superseeded by the Recreational Craft Regulations.

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: