Marine equipment bound for UK Ships requires the Red Ensign Mark
In the post-Brexit landscape, distinct regulations are now in place for marine equipment within the UK. Starting from January 2023, all marine equipment intended for use on UK flagged vessels must be UK-approved. This entails having valid UK conformity assessment certification and displaying the Red Ensign marking, approved body number & UK DOC.
Our service delivery process for marine equipment certification involves several key stages to ensure thoroughness, compliance, and client satisfaction:
This comprehensive service delivery process is designed to meet the specific needs of clients, ensuring that their marine equipment complies with regulations and industry standards while upholding the highest levels of safety and quality.
Depending on the products, further verifications and tests may be necessary to assess conformity of products to approved prototypes, e.g. by means of individual or alternative inspection schemes.
Yes, the validity of a type approval certificate is generally five years, after which the certificate needs to be renewed.
A type approval certificate is renewed upon satisfactory outcome of the verification of the technical documentation provided by the manufacturer. In case of significant changes to the product made by the manufacturer, or in case of significant amendments of the reference standards, further testing activities may be required.
We are a leading provider of comprehensive services, offering a wealth of experience, qualifications, and cutting-edge instruments to support designers and manufacturers. Our commitment extends beyond traditional services, as we continually evolve to meet the new requirements outlined in The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations SI 2025/1280, as amended.
Our key strengths lie in delivering a swift and professional service to manufacturers of marine equipment and various industry sectors. With core competencies deeply rooted in years of invaluable experience, we are a reliable partner capable of handling complex tasks with precision and professionalism. Our adaptability allows us to extend our expertise to various sectors, showcasing our versatility.
Our commitment to professionalism, speed, and global recognition sets us apart as a preferred choice for manufacturers seeking comprehensive and reliable certification services.
The regulatory landscape governing marine equipment on UK-flagged vessels is shaped by The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations SI 2025/1280 as amended. These regulations, collectively known as MER, mandate that all marine equipment on board such vessels must meet specific requirements.
The foundation of these regulations lies in the broader framework known as the Marine Equipment Directive (MED). The MED is a directive established by the European Union (EU), serving as a legal act that outlines specific goals and objectives for member states to achieve. Member states possess the flexibility to implement these objectives into their national laws and regulations.
On the other hand, MER refers to the individual regulations created by the United Kingdom to effectively implement the requirements laid out by the MED. These regulations play a crucial role in ensuring that marine equipment complies with the standards outlined in these regulations, guaranteeing safe usage on UK-flagged vessels.
Within the framework of MER, specific guidance is provided on how to meet essential requirements, incorporating testing and certification procedures. Please see MSN 1874, as amended. The primary aim of MER is to align national regulations with the stringent international regulations, fostering harmonization with the EU. This alignment not only ensures the safety and quality of marine equipment but also contributes to the broader goal of standardization and consistency across the maritime industry.
