EN ISO 14945:2021 PDF

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

• ISO 12217 (stability and buoyancy / design categories)
• ISO 14946 (maximum load capacity)
• ISO 8666 (length of hull measurement)
• ISO 7000 (graphical symbols registration; propeller symbol example)
• EN ISO 14945:2004 (superseded)

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.