CE marking and the Recreational Craft Directive: design categories A to D
CE marking shows a boat meets EU design and safety rules. Its design category, A to D, states the wind and wave conditions it was built for.
Updated 2 min read
Key points
- The Recreational Craft Directive covers boats of 2.5 to 24 m. Boats first sold in the EU from 16 June 1998 need CE marking.
- A: ocean. B: offshore, up to Force 8 and 4 m waves. C: inshore, up to Force 6 and 2 m. D: sheltered, up to Force 4 and 0.5 m.
- The category sits on the builder's plate beside the number of people the boat may carry.
What the rules cover
The Recreational Craft Directive, now Directive 2013/53/EU, sets design and safety requirements for recreational boats between 2.5 and 24 m. The earlier directive made the requirements compulsory for boats first placed on the EU market from 16 June 1998. A boat built to the rules carries a CE mark, a builder's plate and a declaration of conformity.
The four design categories
- A, Ocean. Winds above Force 8 and significant wave heights above 4 m. Boats built for self-sufficiency in extreme conditions.
- B, Offshore. Winds up to Force 8 and significant wave heights up to 4 m.
- C, Inshore. Winds up to Force 6 and significant wave heights up to 2 m.
- D, Sheltered waters. Winds up to Force 4 and significant wave heights up to 0.5 m.
The category describes what the boat was designed to handle, with a full crew and a normal load. It says nothing about the owner's skill or the boat's present condition. A boat with a category B plate and a rotten rudder will not handle category B conditions.
The builder's plate
A plate near the helm shows the builder, the boat's model, its design category, the maximum number of people and the maximum load. Insurers use the plate figures. Check that it exists and that it matches the boat.
Which category suits Med cruising
A crossing to the Balearics from Barcelona fits category B or above. Category C suits coastal sailing along the Costa Brava with a forecast check. Category D is for harbours, lakes and calm bays.
Older boats and imported boats
- Built before June 1998. No CE mark is required. A survey replaces it. See Why you need your own pre-purchase survey.
- Built outside the EU and brought in. It needs a CE mark or a post-construction assessment by an approved body before it is put into use. See Importing a yacht into the EU and temporary admission for non-EU yachts.
- Modified boats. Major changes can alter the boat's category. Ask what was done.
Related guides
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check your own case with a professional or ask us.