Getting an older (non RCD) boat coded

Sea Change

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This is just hypothetical, but a few years ago we tried to buy a Westerly Sealord that was in charter and coded as such.
The boat predated the RCD.
It's got me thinking- what's the relationship between the RCD and commercial coding? It's clearly possible to get an older vessel coded, so are the two things completely unrelated? How would you go about demonstrating stability etc?
 

dunedin

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As far as I know they are entirely unrelated. However, it is possible that the coding rules require a vessel to comply with relevant construction and use rules, ie be RCR / RCD compliant.
However, using a vessel for commercial use that was illegal in terms of not meeting Trading Standards rules - ie UKCA or CE marking in this case - would likely cause all sorts of issues if an accident arose, perhaps including in-validating insurance or prosecution of the operator.
PS. It is unlikely to be a cunning loophole to import a non compliant boat from the Caribbean into the Uk :cool:
 

Tranona

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Yes, RCD/UKCA and coding are two separate things although much of coding requirements are covered by the standard or provide the basic data, for example on stability that are required. Pre RCD would need stability data from the designer or undergo physical tests. Much of RCD is procedural, for example logging standards used, preparing owners manual and other documentation whereas coding is largely tickbox on equipment. There are many coded boats in use that would not meet the RCD standards, for example on engines and documentation.
 

Boathook

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This is just hypothetical, but a few years ago we tried to buy a Westerly Sealord that was in charter and coded as such.
The boat predated the RCD.
It's got me thinking- what's the relationship between the RCD and commercial coding? It's clearly possible to get an older vessel coded, so are the two things completely unrelated? How would you go about demonstrating stability etc?
I think unrelated. JMF? in the mobo setion had a new 50ft Princess built and that had to be coded including a stability test by the surveyor. It was all documented in a thread last year I seem to remember.

It was henryf New build Princess F55 flybridge 37 pages and 733 posts !
 
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AntarcticPilot

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Yes, RCD/UKCA and coding are two separate things although much of coding requirements are covered by the standard or provide the basic data, for example on stability that are required. Pre RCD would need stability data from the designer or undergo physical tests. Much of RCD is procedural, for example logging standards used, preparing owners manual and other documentation whereas coding is largely tickbox on equipment. There are many coded boats in use that would not meet the RCD standards, for example on engines and documentation.
RCD also covers things like engine emissions, which are of no interest for commercial coding.
 

ylop

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PS. It is unlikely to be a cunning loophole to import a non compliant boat from the Caribbean into the Uk :cool:
I think it could be - but it’s not cheap, and your market for resale would only be other “commercial” operators willing to pay the ongoing cost of coding (or who will overlook its status).
 
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