Regarding Regulations and Certification

 

We often get asked what regulations apply to Personal Leisure Hovercraft in the UK and Europe.

In the UK, there are no restrictions for the sale of the Hov Pod. Re the control of marine craft in the UK and Europe, (DIRECTIVE 94/25/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 16 June 1994) on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to recreational craft (Recreation Craft Directive) excludes the following vehicles:
(a) craft intended solely for racing, including rowing racing boats and training rowing boats labeled as such by the manufacturer;
(b) canoes and kayaks, gondolas and pedalos;
(c) sailing surfboards;
(d) powered surfboards, personal watercraft and other similar powered craft;
(e) original, and individual replicas of, historical craft designed before 1950, built predominantly with the original materials and labeled as such by the manufacturer;
(f) experimental craft, provided that they are not subsequently placed on the Community market;
(g) craft built for own use, provided that they are not subsequently placed on the Community market during a period of five years;
(h) craft specifically intended to be crewed and to carry passengers for commercial purposes, without prejudice to paragraph 2, in particular those defined in Directive 82/716/EEC of 4 October 1982 laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels (2), regardless of the number of passengers;
(i) submersibles;
(j) air cushion vehicles; (Hovercraft)
(k) hydrofoils.

Organisations governing the use of “sporting” hovercraft.

In countries where we have asked to adhere to national regulations such as France, the Hov Pod has performed very well and has received the necessary certification after scrutiny by officials, testing for weight carrying capability and buoyancy for example. (Copies of certification available upon request)

Local Harbour restrictions UK

The British Marine Federation publish a guide called Managing Personal Watercraft which describes guidelines for local authorities to adhere to within the confines of a harbour. Although in some areas, there has been local opposition to PWs (Jet Ski) this guide explains the powers of local authorities in the UK. Typical byelaws relevant to PW use include: The master shall navigate his vessels with such care and caution, and at such speed and in such manner, as not to endanger the lives of or cause injury to persons or damage to property, and as not to interfere with the navigation, loading or discharging of vessels or within moorings, river banks or other property. Speed restrictions normally apply to harbours. We know of three harbours in the UK that restrict the use of Jet Skis, but ofcourse with the Hov Pod it is possible with the trailer to launch from thousands of miles of beaches where no restrictions apply.

Rescue Role of the Hovercraft

Hovercraft have enjoyed lots of success over the years, particularly for commercial and transportation purposes. In the UK, the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) use four hovercraft for rescue purposes, particularly in areas where there is quicksand and mud. Hovercraft are also used for rescue during flooding. A number of our dealers develop close links with rescue organizations, to foster good relations with the local community. Images showing the DLRG (German Rescue Organisation) Hov Pod available upon request.

 

Environment

Hovercraft are far more friendly to the environment than boats that have propellers in the water, so please request a copy of our environmental sheet for further information.

 

Hov Pod Code of Conduct

 

For the benefit of Hov Pod owners we have created a Hov Pod Code of Conduct that promotes responsible ownership, available upon request.

 

 

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