Product liability claims and the Recreational Craft Regulations
There are few purchases as luxurious as buying a boat. For many it represents the icing on the cake for many years of hard work and success, for others it may simply be the realisation of a long-standing dream and affinity with the water. These are just some of the many reasons why it is so important for the boat to meet certain specifications. After all, who wants to find themselves sustaining personal injury and needing to make a product liability claim?
Standards and Regulations
Since 1998 it has been compulsory that all boats in the European Economic Area meet the requirements of the Recreational Craft Regulations 1996. These regulations apply to both individuals selling a boat as well as businesses who are doing so, and are the regulatory framework of the EU Recreational Craft directive. Naturally, a manufacturer's or seller's failure to properly uphold the regulations can lead to them facing a product liability claim.
When buying a new boat there are five different things to look out for.
- A builder's plate, including the CE Mark Includes details of the boat's manufacturer, design category, maximum people load, maximum recommended weight load, CE Mark and notified body's identification number.
- A hull identification mark
- A craft identification mark Identifies builder and time when craft was built and is found in two places.
- An owner's manual All new crafts must come with this. It explains the craft's maintenance and safe use, as well as important technical information.
- Declaration of conformity Signed by manufacturer confirming craft meets all legal requirements.
In addition, all boats sold through trade outlets are required to meet the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Failure of sellers to comply with regulations can result in fines of up to £5,000 and prison terms of up to three months.
SRA-regulated panel firms of no win, no fee product liability lawyers
We have no win, no fee lawyers on our panel firms who specialise in representing claims for product liability compensation.
All work under the governance of Law Society body The Solicitors Regulation Authority, and all work on a no-fees basis, win or lose.
The whole process is cost-free, from start to finish, as we also protect the claimant from legal costs incurred by the defendant side while, with our no-cuts policy, delivering 100 per cent compensation in every winning case.
We are available to discuss your product liability claim 24 hours a day.
Reach us online, by filling out a claim form or using our echat service.
To speak to a legal advisor over the telephone, call 0800 10 757 95 or leave us a callback request.
