Hamburg, 28 October 2005 – Germanischer Lloyd (GL) is presenting its new certification scheme “GL Yacht Plus” for yachts and recreational craft up to a hull length of 24 m at this year’s Hamburg “hanseboot” boatshow. This system goes beyond the existing mandatory EC certification of boats (“Recreational Craft Directive”) and offers both manufacturers and owners a considerable increase in safety.
EC Sets the Minimum Standard
With EC certification, boats are grouped and tested according to various criteria, such as vessel type, boat design category (from A = Ocean to D = Sheltered waters), hull length and conformity assessment modules. This is performed by a so-called “Notified Body”, such as Germanischer Lloyd, or in case of smaller boats by the manufacturers themselves under a self-certification scheme. However, EC certification is not a quality mark; for instance, the quality of construction is not assessed.
Enhanced Safety with “GL Yacht Plus”
The voluntary certification entitled “GL Yacht Plus” by Germanischer Lloyd is based on a regular evaluation of series production: to achieve the certification, the manufacturing process is monitored by means of spot checks in accordance with documents examined beforehand by GL. Depending on the number of boats manufactured, testing days are determined with certain intervals. The requirements set for the prototype (EC type examination) are checked during series manufacture and ongoing production is inspected regularly. Depending on the manufacturing profile, the manufacturers and, if applicable, their subcontractors are included in the process. The activities of Germanischer Lloyd are based on verification of the construction drawings and inspection of the fabrication workmanship. The boats will then receive “GL Yacht Plus” certification in addition to the mandatory EC mark. An individual certificate and a badge, fitted to the hull of the boat, confirm the certification.
Both manufacturer and discerning owners stand to benefit from an improvement in the quality of series production. This will result in reduced after-sales costs for the manufacturer and a higher resale value for the owner.
The minimum scope of testing for sailing boats includes checking the attachment of the ballast keel to the hull, the hull-deck connection and the mast support, including chain plates. For sailing yachts and motor boats, there is also the examination of the steering gear, the engine installation, the electrical systems and the workmanship.
Within the scope of the EC certification, Germanischer Lloyd is performing type approvals (for boats > 12 m) and stability tests (for boats < 12 m) on behalf of various internationally active yacht manufacturers and is also negotiating with several yards on agreements regulating the entire manufacturing process – from shop approvals of the subcontractors through EC type testing of the yacht prototypes, and up to surveillance of the series production of yachts.
That the new service will pay off for yacht owners is already clear: One of Europe’s largest and most respected specialist yacht insurance agents has already announced a significant reduction in the deductible and a “no claims” bonus for yachts with Germanischer Lloyd’s “GL Yacht Plus” certificate. The Hamburg insurance agent is expecting an appreciable increase in the safety and reliability of recreational craft, thanks to the new service being offered by Germanischer Lloyd.
Background to EC Marking
The EC mark was primarily established to ensure the free trade of goods within the European Community (EC). EU directives according to Art. 95 of the Maastricht Treaty (the “single market” directives) define the safety and health requirements for numerous products as a minimum standard. With the EC mark, the responsible manufacturer confirms the conformity of the product with the applicable EU directives and compliance with the “essential requirements”. As a rule, the manufacturer of the product is responsible for this marking (for manufacturers located outside the EU, an authorized representative domiciled in the EU is recommended). EC marking is compulsory in all EU member states and also in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
For more details on GL Yacht Plus, please contact: glyachtplus@gl-group.com
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