How to Approve a Design?

[rangoldi]

Hi
Dose anyone knows about the procedure of approving boat/yacht design in order to sell them for the recreational market in America? What bodies in the US do I need to satisfy and work by there criteria. Do I need to be licensed in the US for that?
I know that in Europe you need a CE mark and builder follow the Recreational Craft Directive but I don't know equivalent in the US.
I will greatly appreciate any useful information on this subject.

Rangoldi

[CDBarry]

There is no approval process for a design.

The builder or importer has to warrantee that each boat, when built and sold to the public, meets the Coast Guard rules in 33 CFR, but there is no process to independently verify this, or any process of submittals that a builder can participate in - it's just your claim that it does, and if it is subsequently found not to, then ... You can find the regulations through www.uscg.mil. The rules mainly control boats under 20 feet long.

You do not need to be licensed as an engineer except to offer engineering services to the public. Avoid use of the terms "engineer" and "naval architect", and don't do or offer to do analyses required by regulations to protect the public safety, such as fishing vessel stability instructions required by 46 CFR 28.500. In view of the Ethan Allen accident, it would probably also be wise to avoid being involved in vessels carrying more than six passengers for hire.

[D'ARTOIS]

The classification societyies can also be helpful to approve a specific design it will cost you, but they will do it when it concerns a commercial vessel above a certain level.
Yachts is a bit more difficult - however there are engineering bureau's that can check drawings (e.g. Vripack-Holland).

[rangoldi]

Thanks for you respond, it was very helpful and a bit worrying to know that inexperienced persons can be responsible for the safety of people who sail at sea

rangoldi