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European Boating Industry monitors and informs its members about all relevant developments at EU level which can affect positively or negatively the European boating industry.

Our main areas of work in 2011 are:  

A. Technical & Safety issues

Our on-going topics are the revision of the following EU directives on recreational craft; personal protective equipment (lifejackets, buoyancy aids and diving equipment); R&TTE (radio equipment used on non-SOLAS vessels); port reception facilities for waste (applicable to marinas). Additionally, we are taking a close look at current requirements on safety equipment for boats below 24m in length in Europe.

Our on-going topics are the implementation of the EU directives on fresh water (water framework directive) and marine environment; the development of marine protected areas under Natura 2000; the boat's end-of-life; the revision of the EU biocides directive (antifouling paints); the revision of the WEEE and RoHS directives (electrical and electronic equipment). 

In July 2009, the industry published a study on the environmental impact of nautical industries and activities.

The study is available in English and French.

C. Navigation

Our on-going topics are the implementation of the EU integrated maritime policy (especially in the areas of competitiveness, marine spatial planning, development of tourist facilities such as marinas) and the possibility of mutual recognition of qualifications for boaters within Europe. We will also closely monitor the Commission's initiatives on "smart borders" since these could affect the freedom of navigation for boaters in Europe.

With the inclusion of tourism under EU competence, we are an active stakeholder in the preparation of the future EU tourism policy and especially its strategy for coastal and marine tourism, where we believe boating should play a central role. The Commission's initiative on concessions will gather our interest, while we will monitor the revision of EU directives linked to package holiday.

E. Business & Internal market

Our on-going topics are the market surveillance in Europe; the revision of the EU bloc on consumer law; the initiatives on a common consolidated corporate tax base for companies having cross-border operations in Europe and VAT-related issues. Additionally, attention will be given to professional qualifications and their recognition across Europe since we believe this is key to the mobility of boating professionals in Europe.

Members have access to detailed briefing notes and working documents on specific EU topics.

How to access the Member's section:

First, you have to be a member of one of the national associations listed in the section About us > Our members.

If that's the case, please ask your national association to provide you with a username and password.

Then go to the Home page and enter your username and password in the top right corner in yellow.

If you encounter any trouble to log in, please contact us - thank you!