Boat Certification Program
The National Marine Manufacturers Association has developed certification programs to help manufacturers comply with established standards and safety regulations, and to help to inform the public of such compliance when purchasing equipment. The NMMA program certifies that the design meets the standards outlined in the NMMA Certification Handbook. The manufacturer has the responsibility of assuring that production units are manufactured in compliance with the certified design.
Both the administrative and technical details of these programs (formerly BIA certifications) are incorporated in the handbook. The boat standards used are based on Standards and Recommended Practices for Small Craft published by the:
American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
613 Third Street, Suite 10
Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 990-4460
The standards used in NMMA Certification Programs are subject to change in accordance with Federal Standards if they change during the model year indicated in the title for which these requirements apply.
In 1968, BIA inaugurated a certification program for boat manufacturers covering horsepower and load capacity, flotation, steering and fuel systems, compartment ventilation, navigation lights and backfire flame control.
A manufacturer participating in this program must certify all models under 26 feet in length (except boats built and advertised as intended for racing) as fitted with all factory supplied equipment on a model year basis. BIA's thirty year old boat capacity rating program is incorporated into certification covering load and horsepower capacity and flotation.
Inspectors from nationally recognized independent inspection agencies or NMMA staff visit the manufacturer, check for the NMMA capacity and flotation ratings, and physically inspect each model for compliance with all boat certification standards contained in the handbook .
Builders desiring to participate in this program should contact NMMA for capacity and flotation rating applications and a Certification application.
Different capacity applications are used for different types of boats as follows:
- Outboard and Non-Powered boats (includes canoes and sailboats)
- Inboard, I/O and Sea Drive boats
- Pontoon boats
- Inflatable boats
An Optional "John" boat capacity is available for those not wishing to use the regular outboard capacity application.
All boat types use the same Boat Certification Application. The level flotation test report form is provided to report the results of level flotation testing. The Capacity and Certification applications must be forwarded to NMMA with a requested inspection date. If 20 days notice is given, the requested date can usually be met by the inspector.
After resolution of any variances the inspector may find each model will be certified.
Exemptions to Federal standards issued by the U.S. Coast Guard are accepted in this certification program.
New models must be inspected and certified prior to shipment.
To obtain a Boat Certification, all components used must be on the NMMA - Type Accepted list.
List of all boat manufacturers in the NMMA Boat Certification Program
