Overview
EN ISO 14945:2021 - Small craft: Builder’s plate (ISO 14945:2021) specifies uniform requirements for the builder’s plate fitted to small craft (recreational boats and similar watercraft up to 24 m hull length). Personal watercraft are explicitly excluded. The standard replaces EN ISO 14945:2004 and aligns builder’s‑plate requirements with ISO and EU regulatory needs (Directive 2013/53/EU).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and definitions
- Applies to small craft (L_H ≤ 24 m); defines symbols such as the person symbol (75 kg), suitcase symbol (load in kg) and propeller symbol (power in kW).
- Mandatory displayed information
- Manufacturer name / trade mark and contact address
- CE marking (if applicable) and notified‑body identification when required
- Craft design category(ies) per ISO 12217
- Maximum load (MBP) and maximum recommended number of persons according to ISO 14946, using the person and suitcase symbols
- Optional but regulated items
- Maximum propulsion power (must be in kW when shown)
- Maximum outboard engine mass (kg)
- Additional details must not impair legibility and should be separated visually
- Physical and legibility requirements
- Builder’s plate may be a rigid plate, flexible label, or marked directly on the hull and must be permanently affixed
- Characters: required characters ≥ 5 mm; other characters ≥ 3 mm
- Pictograms/symbols: ≥ 8 mm height
- Marking methods: carved, stamped, embossed, moulded, etched, printed (permanent adhesives acceptable); UV/fade resistant colours
- Location: readily visible - preferably in the cockpit or near the main steering position; must be separate from the watercraft identification number
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Boat manufacturers and shipyards designing and producing builder’s plates
- Regulatory compliance officers ensuring conformity with ISO standards and EU Directive 2013/53/EU
- Marine surveyors, classification societies and notified bodies conducting conformity or post‑construction assessments (Module PCA)
- Designers of on‑board documentation, dealers and importers verifying correct marking and user safety limits
- Label and plate suppliers producing durable, legible builder’s plates
Related standards
Using EN ISO 14945:2021 helps manufacturers provide clear, uniform safety and usage information on small craft, supports legal compliance (CE marking where applicable), and improves passenger/load safety through standardized display of limits and symbols.
