How do I start a CE inspection?
Of course, the best start is a phone call to Blue Peter Marine where we will explain you in details how to go through the process. But for those of you who already want to know, here is how it goes:
Blue Peter Marine sends you a quote as well as a Certification agreement with IMCI. From your side, you should ensure that your designer supplies you with sufficient drawings as well as scantling- (construction) and stability calculations. These should preferably be in accordance with ISO standards, although it is not strictly mandatory it is advisable to use these standards since they are the only ones mentioning design categories.
The second step is to print all the applicable checklists from the IMCI website(if you are not sure just ask us for help it’s free). Distribute the checklists to the responsible employees, (the employee in charge of the electrical system will not necessarily be the same as the one making the owner ’s manual). You should encircle yes, no or N.A. in the first column, the second column is for confirmation by the inspector during his visit. Each checklist is based on the ISO standards. The wording is an abbreviation of the full content to be found in the standard and the reference number on the checklist is the same as in the standard. Therefore although they are a useful memento, it is still necessary to have the full text of the standard.
ISO standards are available on the SABS website or ISO Website, your own national standardization institute. Standards are updated every 5 years to ensure you have the latest version.
For a full EC-type certification you will have 3 survey visits from Peter Jacops: One during hull construction, one during the installation of the system (when boats are about 80% ready) and one when the boat is in the water. Of course, more visits can be arranged if required. During the hull construction visit, we will compare the build boat with the drawings and ensure that all is the same, if not we will ask you to adapt the drawings.
Make sure that the scantling calculations are still relevant. During the second visit, we will inspect your system and make sure that what you ticked on the checklists is correct. If you are not sure about something rather leave it open.
Finally, during the last visit, we will ensure that all the variations have been solved and eventually we will witness the necessary stability tests. Once all the checklists are finished, the owner’s manual made (you can do this yourself by complying with the requirements in every standard or buy templates such as www.yacht-ce-marking.com) , we will forward your application and your file to the head office in Brussels and it will take them approximately 3 weeks depending on the workload to go through all the document and issue an EC-type certificate. With the EC-type certificate number, you will be able to issue a declaration of conformitywith each boat that you produce.
