Mikelson Yachts

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) inaugurated a certification program for boat manufacturers, using adopted standards for all key areas directly related to safety. These areas are horsepower and load capacity, flotation, steering and fuel systems, compartment ventilation, navigation lights and backfire flame control. The NMMA program certifies that the design meets the standards detailed in our certification handbook. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that production units are manufactured in compliance with the certified design.

Participating manufacturers must certify all recreational boats up to 26 feet, and yachts 26 feet and longer (except boats built and advertised as intended for racing) as fitted with all factory-supplied equipment on a model-year basis.

Trailer manufacturers may have their trailers certified as well. For trailers, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and federal regula-tions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provide the basis for certification.

Since 1968, this program has served the industry and its customers in three

1. Establishing a product safety baseline
2. Minimizing product liability exposure
3. Providing evidence of compliance with existing federal boat safety regulations and voluntary industry standards

Certifications are handled on a model-year basis regardless of when boat, PWC or trailer manufacturers change their model year. For administrative purposes, the certification program changes its model year on August 1, when any technical changes in certification standards become effective.

In addition to helping manufacturers comply with established standards and safety regulations, the NMMA Certification Program informs consumers of this compliance when they purchase equipment.

To read more about NMMA Certification please click here