Marine Directive 96/98/EC

What is the Directive?

The Marine Equipment Directive covers any ship flying a flag of an EEA member state. The UK Competent Body is the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) formerly the Marine Safety Agency (MSA). Conformity assessment is through a Notified Body, such as BSI, and the compliance mark is the Ship's Wheel.

The MED is aimed at ensuring that equipment which has to meet the requirements of international conventions (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL, etc.) agreed at IMO (the International Maritime Organisation), additionally meets a common standard of safety and performance.

It also ensures that certificates issued by European Union member states, or on their behalf by notified bodies, are acceptable to each member state through the harmonisation of their approval requirements.

Who is the directive for?

If you manufacture, purchase or supply any of the equipment listed in the MED, then this affects you.

What products do we test?

BSI are currently accredited for 42 of the product lines listed in Annex A.1 under Life Saving Appliances and Fire Protection.

This Directive covers a vast array of equipment, covering all aspects of a ships safety. Annex A.1 of the MED lists equipment that requires the assistance of a Notified Body for conformity assessment under the following headings:

  • Life-saving appliances
  • Marine-pollution prevention
  • Fire protection
  • Navigation equipment
  • Radio-communication equipment

Annex A.2 - lists equipment for which no detailed testing standards exist in International instruments and as such will require the application of relevant national standards. Therefore, there are no specific conformity assessment requirements. BSI are currently accredited for 42 of the product lines listed in Annex A.1 under Life Saving Appliances and Fire Protection.

Benefits of meeting the directive

The MED is aimed at ensuring that equipment which has to meet the requirements of international conventions (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL, etc.) agreed at IMO (the International Maritime Organisation), additionally meets a common standard of safety and performance.Note that on February 27, 2004 the European Community (EC) and the United States (US) signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on marine equipment. This means that if your equipment has been certified under the MED it will also be accepted for sale in the US without the need for additional testing or certification and vice-versa.

Why you need to meet the Directive

The MED is aimed at ensuring that equipment which has to meet the requirements of international conventions (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL, etc.) agreed at IMO (the International Maritime Organisation), additionally meets a common standard of safety and performance. Note that on February 27, 2004 the European Community (EC) and the United States (US) signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on marine equipment. This means that if your equipment has been certified under the MED it will also be accepted for sale in the US without the need for additional testing or certification and vice-versa.

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Our commitment to service and expertise

BSI is a Notified Body for the Marine Equipment Directive. With a wealth of expertise in this industry, we have a team of dedicated experts who can help you to meet the requirements of the Directive. We have dedicated laboratories where we can thoroughly test your products, and provide you with ongoing support should you choose to launch new products or make modifications to existing products. BSI can also help you gain certification to other schemes giving you even greater market access. Talk to one of our experts today to find out more.