Safety of Marine Equipment

EC-Directive 96/98/EC


Marine equipment fitted in new EU ships since 1 January 1999 is subject to Council Directive 96/98/EC on marine equipment, which came into force on 20.12.1996.

In addition, the directive applies to equipment installed in order to replace old components. The location of the ships at the time when the equipment was produced/installed plays no role.

The directive does not cover equipment which was already fitted on the ships in question at the time when the directive came into force. Marine equipment produced before 1 January 1999 was still permitted to be installed in EU ships up until 1 January 2001. Equipment installed since 1 January 2001 must have the "Wheel Mark" affixed to it by the producer as a sign of conformity.

To this end, the products must undergo a conformity assessment procedure, performed by a notified body. Conformity can only be proven using the testing standards and conformity assessment procedures listed in Annex A. 1 of the directive.

The directive applies to equipment in the following areas:

  • life-saving appliances,
  • prevention of marine pollution,
  • fire protection,
  • navigation and
  • radio communication.

The areas covered by Directive 96/98/EC are also subject to international conventions, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) of 1974.

The latest amendment of the Marine Equipment Directive became necessary as a result of altered and new testing standards entering into force as of 1 January 2001. It was amended in September 2002 by directive 2002/75/EC.

Berufsgenossenschaft for the Maritime Industries (See-BG): Notified Body

The Berufsgenossenschaft (institution for statutory accident insurance and prevention) for the maritime industries has been notified by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (European identification number: 0736) for the field of marine equipment.

The Maritime Berufsgenossenschaft's testing and certification body has already issued well over 1,000 certificates in the short space since the directive came into force.

Useful Links

Contact to our testing and certification body

Contact

Brandswiete 1
20457 Hamburg
Tel: +49 40 36137-233
Fax: +49 40 36137-204


Zwengenberger Straße 68
42781 Haan
Tel: +49 2129 576–431
Fax: +49 800 668 6688-38090

Notified body

EU-notified body, Identification number: 0736