You’ve undoubtedly seen the NMMA Certified logo as you climb onboard a majority of boats in the United States, and you likely know this designation signifies the boat manufacturer has undergone a rigorous inspection by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and their highly trained third-party inspectors. What you will find even more impressive, is the extensive breadth and depth of the technical requirements that must be met to achieve this elite designation.
The NMMA Certification program for boat manufacturers uses standards set by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), a non-profit organization that develops safety standards for the design and construction of all types of boats. Since 1954, ABYC has been setting the voluntary industry safety standards for the recreational boating industry, and in recent history, NMMA has been certifying boat manufacturers to verify compliance to these standards. While the U.S. Coast Guard does have regulations for boat manufacturers, the ABYC standards take a far more comprehensive and contemporary approach to designs and installations, ultimately focused on an improved boating and ownership experience.
The NMMA Certification program requires annual inspections of boat manufacturers to ensure their models are built to the latest editions of each ABYC standard. To see just how extensive and detailed this certification program is, here is the list of the standards applicable to 2015 model year boats:
- LPG Systems
- Galley Stoves
- Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Equipment
- Liquid/Solid Fueled Boat Heating Systems
- Gasoline and Propane Detection
- Electric Navigation Lights
- Sound Signal Appliances
- Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems
- LPG and CNG Fueled Appliances
- Galvanic Isolators
- Cooking Appliances with integral LPG
- Battery Chargers and Inverters
- Emergency Engine/Propulsion Cut-off Devices
- Storage Batteries
- Ventilation Gasoline
- Windows, Hatches, Doors, and Port Lights
- Cockpit Drainage Systems
- Capacity
- Buoyancy/Flotation
- Electric Bilge Pumps
- Potable Water Systems
- Gasoline Fuel Systems
- Portable Gasoline Fuel Systems
- Powering
- Seacocks, Thru-Hulls and Drain Plugs
- Inflatable Boats
- Canoes and Kayaks
- Hydraulic Systems
- Seat Structures
- Ventilation Diesel
- Diesel Fuel Systems
- Pontoon Boats
- Jet Boat – Light Weight
- Anchoring, Mooring, and Strong Points
- Ladders, Handholds, and Rails
- Exhaust Systems
- Propeller Shafting Systems
- Mechanical Propulsion Control Systems
- Mechanical Steering Systems
- Manual Hydraulic Steering Systems
- Steering Wheels
- Jet Boat Steering/Propulsion
- Electric/Electronic Propulsion Control
- Capacity Plates
- Outboard Engine Weights
- Safety Signs and Labels
· A.C. & D. C. Electrical Systems
· Field of Vision from the Helm
When you buy an NMMA Certified boat or yacht, you gain the confidence of knowing your boat meets the applicable ABYC standards, and that means peace of mind. The majority of boat manufacturers agree that NMMA certification is essential in ensuring their customers get a boat that goes above and beyond what is required by the U.S. Coast Guard. That’s why more than 85 percent of boats sold in the U.S. each year are NMMA Certified.
As you shop for your new boat or trailer, look for one of the nearly 200 boat brands that have made the commitment to ensure their products are NMMA Certified. Look for the NMMA Certified logo on the product or see the complete listings on DiscoverBoating.com.
[easy-social-share]