Destination NZ > New Zealand Boat Building Standard CPC Programme
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New Zealand Boat Building Standard CPC Programme
The New Zealand trailer boat industry has set itself high standards in the interests of its customers – the boating public. Most of the country’s leading boat builders subscribe to the NZ audited Boat Building Standard Compliance Plate Certification (CPC) programme for trailer boats between 3.5 and 8.5m. Administered by the NZ Marine Industry Association (NZMIA) and endorsed by New Zealand Coastguard, the CPC was developed in consultation with leading boat builders, based on standards used around the world and adapted for New Zealand’s unique manufacturing and boating environment.
In many respects, New Zealand CPC requirements exceed boat-building standards in most other jurisdictions, including the USA, Australia and the European Union. CPC boats exported overseas generally require few or no modifications to meet local regulations, including CE approval for boats exported to the EU.
Only New Zealand manufactured aluminium or fibreglass boats, built and equipped in an approved manufacturing environment may carry a CPC plate – imported boats don’t qualify and most do not meet the standard. Manufacturers taking part in the CPC programme are required to employ the services of an independent authority to approve the structural integrity of every model built to the CPC programme requirements. Fibreglass builders tend to use highly respected composites specialist High Modulus to inspect and approve their laminates; aluminium builders often employ structural engineers and marine and industrial safety inspectors SGS-M&I to certify their structural design. Certification details must be available for auditing.
CPC members are also required to maintain a comprehensive record of compliance for every model in their range. The record comprises a series of checklists, filled in and signed off by the manufacturer at every stage of the boat’s construction and fit-out, to ensure that each model meets the required standard.
The record includes each model’s specifications and construction details, horsepower rating, passenger capacity, buoyancy, as well as quality control reports, date of manufacture and a record of sale for each individual boat. Any changes to a model’s specifications must also be recorded and signed off by the manufacturer’s representative.
Each model also undergoes a sea trial to ensure that it is safe and fit for purpose. Boats are trialled around a buoy-to-buoy course at high speed using maximum recommended horsepower and different loadings up to the maximum number of passengers allowed. The boats must be able to negotiate tight, full-speed turns around the buoys without shipping water or excessive loss of propeller grip. A signed affidavit from the manufacturer attests to the boat’s fitness.
As an example, the fuel system is checked to ensure it meets the CPC standard for tank construction and material, tank support, fuel levels, deck fill, fuel line material and size and correct installation. The electrical system is similarly monitored: wiring, battery box, insulation, isolating switch, bilge pump wiring, bilge blower and the correct fitting of navigation lights. Other standards are equally rigorous.
The record even ensures the CPC plate is correctly fitted and its details are accurate and that a separate Safe Boating sticker is attached near the dashboard where it can be easily seen.
If you are in the market for a New Zealand built Trailer Boat and it does not have the NZ CPC plate you would have to ask the question, why not?
The following leading New Zealand boat builders are members of the CPC Programme:
For more information on the CPC Programme please contact:
Peter Busfield, NZMI Executive Director
Tel: 09 360 0056 |
