NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION: WHAT IS CERTIFICATION?
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