25/02/2026
This article offers some clarity about the RCR PCA requirements. We are authorised by HPi Verification Services Ltd to carry out PCA's in the UK. Before you appoint a surveyor to carry out a PCA please check they are approved. If they are not your PCA will not be valid ...
INLAND WATERWAYS: Your questions answered: Do I need a Post Construction Assessment?
If your boat does not have UKCA/CE marking, or it does but it has been significantly changed, you might need a Post Construction Assessment (PCA) certificate. To help you to understand if you do (or don’t!) need one, we’ve asked Simon Vayro, Senior Surveyor for the UK Approved Body HPiVS, to answer your questions.
Q: I purchased a ‘Sailaway’ and fitted it out with bedrooms, a bathroom and a lounge and kitchen. A gas fitter installed the LPG system and an electrician fitted the electrics, but I did most of the other work myself. I was led to believe that if I kept the boat for five years, it would not need a PCA?
A: This is asking about the five-year exemption rule that applies to self-built boats. To qualify as a ‘self-built boat’, the craft has to be predominately built by yourself, including the hull, so in this instance the five- year rule would not apply and a PCA would be required.
Q: Who can perform the PCA?
A: Only an Approved Body in UK can perform a PCA to the Recreational Craft Regulations.
Q: I’ve just had my Boat Safety Scheme examination, do I still need a PCA?
A: Yes, the Boat Safety Scheme is designed to help reduce the risk of boat fires, explosions, carbon monoxide or pollution from boats harming visitors to the inland waterways, the waterways' workforce, other waterways users and property on or alongside the waterways. Whilst there is some duplication, the Recreational Craft Regulations cover many aspects that the Boat Safety Scheme does not.
Q: My boat was built in 1997, does it still require a PCA?
A: No, the craft was constructed prior to the then Recreational Craft Directive and is outside of the scope, the first Directive became mandatory in June 1998.
Q: My boat has a UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark but I have redecorated and put in new kitchen appliances and a new bathroom set. It has been like for like replacement for the most part. Is this considered a Major Craft Conversion and I do I require a PCA?
A: This may not require a PCA as your vessel has the UKCA mark and redecoration is not generally considered a Major Craft Conversion. A Major Craft Conversion normally applies when significant changes are made to the boat that may affect its compliance with essential safety and environmental requirements.
Q: What is involved in obtaining a PCA?
A: A physical inspection of the boat is required, which usually takes the best part of a day. A list of findings is sent to you for you to action. Once these have been addressed, the certificate is normally issued within five days.
HPiVS is an accredited UK Approved Body. Go to hpivs.com to find out more or to arrange a PCA, please get in touch wit our team: [email protected]
