Research by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) shows that many manufacturers and distributors of pleasure crafts do not have their documentation and knowledge in order. For instance, required documentation such as test reports or calculations to demonstrate the stability and reserve buoyancy of the vessel is missing.
Most rental companies are also insufficiently aware that they have obligations under the 2016 Pleasure Craft Act and Directive 2013/53/EU. Between 2022 and 2024, ILT inspectors visited a total of 21 manufacturers, distributors, and rental companies in the Giethoorn area.
Stability, buoyancy, and stopping distance
The stability of a pleasure craft is one of the safety requirements. The ISO standards describe how the stability and buoyancy of a vessel can be demonstrated by the manufacturer. Inspector John van Lochem: “I regularly see pleasure crafts carrying too many people. Thats dangerous. If its overloaded, it takes longer for the boat to come to a stop due to the longer stopping distance. Also, the boat can sit too deep in the water due to overloading, making it uncontrollable or even capsizing.” Pleasure crafts must be safe. Moreover, skippers and owners must have the right skills and papers.
21 warnings
From 2022 to 2024, the ILT conducted a total of 21 inspections in the Giethoorn area. All six rental companies and 15 manufacturers and distributors selling vessels were found to have matters out of order, incorrect, or incomplete. In some cases, the required documents were completely missing. These are legally required documents by which the manufacturer indicates that the product is safe and complies with laws and regulations. Such as the CE marking, the declaration of conformity, the user manual, and/or the technical file. The companies concerned received a warning for this. Although a large number of warnings were issued, there were no signs of acute dangerous situations. The companies will be re-inspected by the ILT this year. If it appears that they still do not comply with the legal obligations, the inspection will impose measures to put an end to these shortcomings.
About ILTs supervision
Pleasure crafts must be safe. The buyer and/or user must be able to trust that a newly built vessel meets legal product requirements. Through its supervision, the ILT aims to prevent unsafe pleasure crafts from being placed on the market, thus promoting safety on the water.