What Is Certification?

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "What Is Certification?"

Primrose Ramsey
6 years ago
Views:

1 What Is Certification? Using adopted standards for all key areas directly related to safety. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) inaugurated a certification program for boat manufacturers, using adopted standards for all key areas directly related to safety. These areas are horsepower and load capacity, flotation, steering and fuel systems, compartment ventilation, navigation lights and backfire flame control. The NMMA program certifies that the design meets the standards detailed in our certification handbook. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that production units are manufactured in compliance with the certified design. Since 1968, this program has served the industry and its customers in three primary ways: 1. Establishing a product safety baseline 2. Minimizing product liability exposure 3. Providing evidence of compliance with existing federal boat safety regulations and voluntary industry standards Participating manufacturers must certify all recreational boats up to 26 feet, and yachts 26 feet and longer (except boats built and advertised as intended for racing) as fitted with all factory-supplied equipment on a model-year basis. Trailer manufacturers may have their trailers certified as well. For trailers, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and federal regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provide the basis for certification. Certifications are handled on a model-year basis regardless of when boat, PWC or trailer manufacturers change their model year. For administrative purposes, the certification program changes its model year on August 1, when any technical changes in certification standards become effective. In addition to helping manufacturers comply with established standards and safety regulations, the NMMA Certification Program informs consumers of this compliance when they purchase equipment.

2 Certification Standards The foundation of this certification program consists of federal regulations and consensus industry standards. The NMMA Certification Program is divided into four areas: personal watercraft (PWC), recreational boats up to 26 feet, yachts 26 feet and longer, and boat trailers. The foundation of this certification program consists of federal regulations and consensus industry standards. The federal regulations result from the Federal Boat Safety Act of They are mandatory minimum requirements that must be met by all boats manufactured in or imported into the U.S. These regulations are detailed in 33 CFR 181 and 183. The consensus industry standards are adopted from Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft as published by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). These standards are developed by ABYC Project Technical Committees that meet regularly to review current standards and revise them as industry developments require. They also develop new standards to serve an ever-changing boating industry. These committees are comprised of volunteers from the boating industry, government and private sectors. Information on accident trends and causes as provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, insurance companies and litigation activity provide important input for this standards development activity. Safety standards developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) are the basis for the Trailer Certification Program and the Personal Watercraft (PWC) Certification Program. NMMA uses three individual certification committees one each for PWC, boats and yachts, and one for trailers to monitor and guide its certification programs. These committees are comprised of volunteers selected for their knowledge and expertise. The committee members select which consensus industry standards they feel should become a part of the certification program. The committees selections are presented to the Boat Manufacturers Division (BMD) Board for review and acceptance. All approved standards are then incorporated in the NMMA Certification Program in the next model year.

3 Benefits of Certification Demonstrate your commitment to safety and a quality boating experience. NMMA Certification is a cost-effective way to verify adherence to industry standards and federal regulations, boost brand awareness and gain an edge in today s competitive marketplace. MANUFACTURERS OF CERTIFIED BOATS BENEFIT FROM: Improved product compliance The inspection process identifies potential problems in boats and boat systems so they can be corrected. It also leads to elimination of products that do not meet standards, reducing potential for recall and product returns from warranty claims. Enhanced company credibility Going through the process of third-party verification lends credibility to your product quality and safety claims. Improved consumer confidence Consumers feel more confident in purchasing a product whose claims of adherence to industry standards have been verified by independent sources. Increased brand respect Certification sends an obvious message out to the market that your company is dedicated to high quality standards, which attracts and retains customers. Added leverage in the marketplace NMMA is undertaking an aggressive public awareness campaign to support its members investment in Certification and to ensure that Certification s value is recognized by consumers. This increased awareness will lead consumers to seek out certified boats. Liability protection and liability insurance discounts Being able to demonstrate that your company has taken reasonable precautions to ensure your products meet established industry safety standards provides an excellent due diligence defense and greatly reduces your potential liability. As a result, many program participants obtain product liability insurance discounts. Ongoing education Participation in the NMMA Certification Program guarantees that you will be informed of all changes in American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards and other industry requirements. It also gives you an opportunity to be a part of the standard development process. A consistent standard for all manufacturers Certification enhances the perception of the recreational marine industry and proves it is committed to consumer safety and well-being. Raising quality awareness also promotes a quality culture and cultivates excellence in the industry. Cost-savings Certification inspections can identify potentially costly problems early in production, reducing costs of returns and potential recalls. In addition, many program participants obtain product liability insurance discounts. The value of the NMMA Certification program is a testament to its success the boat builders who participate in the NMMA Certified program manufacture more than 75 percent of all boats produced in the United States each year. Furthermore, data from the USCG indicates that non-certified boats are 15 times more likely to be recalled by the USCG for safety reason than NMMA Certified boats.

4 Inspection Visits Independent inspection agencies checking for compliance with all applicable NMMA requirements. NMMA Engineering Standards has contracted several independent inspection agencies that are knowledgeable in boating industry standards. These agencies confirm compliance with all applicable NMMA requirements. Our inspectors are all ABYC Certified Standards specialists. An inspection visit is required before a manufacturer is certified. The inspector, along with the on-site authorized manufacturer s representative, reviews all products, answers questions and makes recommendations if needed. All inspection reports are signed by the manufacturer s rep and the inspector, then forwarded on to the Engineering Standards Department for review. If variances occur, the manufacturer is given ample time to comply before action is taken. If the manufacturer is in complete compliance, permission is granted to advertise products as NMMA Certified. All certified manufacturers are visited annually, or whenever there is a new product that requires inspection.

5 Type Accepted List Assisting certified boat and yacht manufacturer to use compliant parts. NMMA requires test reports from component manufacturers to assist certified boat and yacht manufacturers in using equipment that meets the applicable American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The approved product listing of navigation lights, fuel tanks, fuel hoses, bilge pumps, bilge blowers, steering systems, steering wheels, horns and trailers is then published for use by all certified boat companies. The list is updated frequently and is available on our web site: nmma.org/certification/programs/typeaccepted

6 Compliance Seminar Intensive instruction focusing on how to fully comply with federal recreation boat safety regulations and ABYC standards. Every year, the NMMA Engineering Standards Department presents its annual Engineering Compliance Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee, which includes expert speakers from the U.S. Coast Guard, American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), NMMA, and the industry. This three-day session of intensive instruction focuses on how to fully comply with federal recreational boat safety regulations and ABYC standards used in the NMMA Certification Program. Set in a relaxed classroom setting, the sessions encourage questions and lively discussion on such topics as capacity compliance, electrical standards, certification procedures, steering systems, navigation lights and sound signals. Participants who successfully complete a battery of tests are awarded Standards Compliance Specialist certificates. All NMMA Certified boat and yacht manufacturers are required to have at least one individual with this training and certificate at each manufacturing location. With the U.S. Coast Guard releasing some of the responsibility for monitoring boat manufacturers, more manufacturers are recognizing the importance of self-regulation for product safety and quality.

7 Certification Publications Offering informative publications to NMMA members. NMMA Engineering Standards offers the following publications to members: NMMA Certification Handbook Details NMMA Certification Program and technical requirements. Designed to help manufacturers comply with established standards and safety regulations. NMMA Certified Safety Brochure Describes the differences between NMMA Certified boats and those that meet only the Coast Guard s minimum standards. Ideal for consumers. Certified Stickers Various decals available to manufacturers participating in NMMA certification programs. Warning Labels For posting near fuel systems, deck rails, flammable liquids and gasoline vapors. CE Label For use on all certified components, brochures, etc. Available in 6mm and 29mm sizes. Boat Owner s Manuals Provides the latest information for recreational boaters, with enhanced illustrations of the Do s and Don ts of operating a boat. Offered in six boat categories. Trash Overboard Discharge Label Operator/Owner label for boats 26 feet or longer, as required by Annex V of the MARPOL Treaty. Seating Locations Label For proper seating configurations while underway. Know More About It Brochures Information on carbon monoxide, electric shock hazards, waterski safety, and marine fuel systems. These brochures are designed to compliment your owners manuals.

What is EPA up to? John McKnight, Director EH&S National Marine Manufacturers Association

What is EPA up to? John McKnight, Director EH&S National Marine Manufacturers Association Overview Clean Boating Act Ethanol in gasoline New boat and engine technology required to reduce emissions Clean