Key Changes in the New Marine Equipment Directive Regulation

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  • The 8th Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1975 will come into force on 4 September 2024, replacing the previous regulation.
  • Marine equipment meeting pre-September 2024 type-approval standards can be used until 4 September 2027.
  • Introduction of Electronic Inclinometer Equipment (MED/4.67) and GNSS Equipment with SBAS (MED/4.63).
  • New or revised standards for various equipment categories, including fire extinguishing systems, rescue boats, and testing equipment.
  • From 4 September 2024, DNV’s notified bodies will issue MED certificates. Manufacturers need to comply with updated design, construction, and performance requirements.

The 8th Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1975, effective from 4 September 2024, updates the Marine Equipment Directive by introducing new equipment categories and revising testing standards. It will replace the previous regulation, allowing equipment that meets older type-approval standards to be used until September 2027. Key updates include the addition of Electronic Inclinometer Equipment and GNSS Equipment with SBAS, along with new standards for various fire safety and detection systems. Manufacturers must ensure compliance with these changes and obtain MED certification from DNV’s notified bodies starting 4 September 2024, reports DNV.

8th Implementing Regulation

The 8th Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1975, amending the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 2014/90/EU, will come into force on 4 September 2024, repealing the previous 7th Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1667. Here’s what’s new:

  1. Transitional Provisions: Marine equipment complying with national type-approval requirements before 4 September 2024 can continue to be used until 4 September 2027.
  2. New MED Items: Effective from 4 September 2024, the following items are added:
    • MED/4.67: Electronic Inclinometer Equipment
    • MED/4.63: GNSS Equipment with a new sub-item for SBAS Equipment
  3. Updated Testing Standards: New or updated standards for various marine equipment categories are introduced. These include:
    • Inflated rescue boats (MED/1.19)
    • Fast rescue boats (MED/1.20a and MED/1.20c)
    • Shipboard incinerators (MED/2.7)
    • Fire-fighters outfit (MED/3.3a)
    • Portable oxygen analysis and gas detection equipment (MED/3.30a and MED/3.30b)
    • Low-location lighting systems (MED/3.40)
    • Fixed water-based firefighting systems (MED/3.49a and MED/3.49b)
    • Various foam and chemical fire extinguishing systems (MED/3.57, MED/3.58, MED/3.62)
    • Fixed hydrocarbon gas detection systems (MED/3.65)
    • Echo-sounding equipment (MED/4.6)
    • Electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) (MED/4.30)
    • Water level detectors (MED/8.1)
  4. Certification and Compliance: From 4 September 2024, MED certification will be issued by DNV’s notified bodies. Manufacturers must ensure their products meet the new requirements and standards, and update their Declaration of Conformity accordingly.

Manufacturers, designers, yards, and owners of EU-flagged vessels should review these changes carefully to ensure compliance and continue meeting the required safety and performance standards.

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Source: DNV