A mandatory marking
Since 1998, European regulations have required boat manufacturers to affix a CE mark to their boats. The latter is divided into 4 categories that indicate the boat's suitability to face given navigation conditions. It therefore assures boaters that their boat complies with safety requirements and also protects boatyards in the event of "prohibited" use.
Depending on the category chosen for the design of the boat, the architect must therefore define the maximum pressure undergone by the boat, but also the stability of the latter.
This regulation concerns boats from 2.5 to 24 m used to navigate in maritime waters, but also inland waters (lakes, canals, rivers, etc.). Since 2006, it also applies to motorized watercraft (jet skis, jet skis, etc.).
A boat can be approved in several categories, but the number of people on board will then be different to adapt to the conditions encountered.
The different design categories
Category D: in protected waters
These boats are designed to navigate in protected coastal waters, small bays, small lakes, rivers and canals. They are able to withstand winds up to force 4 - established at 16 knots with gusts up to 23 knots - and waves with a significant height of 0.3 m with maximum waves up to 0.5 m.
Category C: near the coast
These boats can navigate close to the coast and in large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers, with maximum winds of force 6 - established at 27 knots with gusts to 35 knots - and waves of a significant height of 2 m and a maximum of 4 m.
Category B: Offshore
These boats are designed for offshore voyages during which winds can reach force 8 - set at 40 knots with gusts to about 52 knots - and waves a significant height of 4 m, and maximum 8 m.
Category A: High seas
These boats are often dedicated to long voyages and are capable of sailing up to force 9 - wind speed of 47 knots with gusts up to 61 knots - and in waves with a significant height of over 4 m and a maximum height of 10 m.
