The new Boating Code (read it HERE ) has revised the classification of recreational boats. To make no mistake, here’s how the new law defines boats. With a controversy, why are boats only historic above 24 meters? We all call them generically “boat,” but according to Italian law there is a new precise classification for each type of recreational boat. The new Boating Code, the regulation that became operational at the end of February, although implementing decrees are still missing (damn bureaucracy!), has in fact revised the categories by which boats must be named.
Be careful, then, in defining your boat. It all sounds simple, but there are actually quite a few differences that affect what kind of license, which insurance and operating costs. With one caution to keep in mind, it is not the overall or hull length that determines ratings, but a unified European measurement that the manufacturer must provide you with. One final note: We do not understand why the legislature classifies as historic boats (since 1967) only those over 24 meters and not also those with a shorter hull length. Oversight or discrimination? If you want to know the exact definition by which Italian law classifies pleasure boats, here is what the new classification is:
THE GENERAL DEFINITION THAT GROUPS EVERY RECREATIONAL BOAT IS THIS:
– BOATING UNIT Is any vessel of any type and with any means of propulsion intended for recreational boating
IF THE BOAT EXCEEDS 24 METERS HULL LENGTH IT IS CALLED THREE WAYS:
– MAJOR SHIP is a ‘vessel with a hull length of more than 24 meters and a tonnage of more than 500 “gross tonnage” or 600 gross tons
– MINOR SHIP is a ‘vessel with a hull length of more than 24 meters but having a tonnage of up to 500 “gross tonnage” or 600 gross tons
IF THE BOAT OVER 24 METERS IN LENGTH BUT IS BUILT BEFORE 1967 IS DEFINED:
– HISTORIC MINOR SHIP is a ‘vessel with a hull length of more than 24 meters with a tonnage of up to 120 “gross tonnage” or 100 gross tons, built before January 1, 1967
IF THE BOAT IS 10 TO 24 METERS LONG, IT IS CLASSIFIED AS:
– BOAT BOAT is a ‘boat with a hull length between 10 and 24 meters
IF THE BOAT IS UP TO 10 METERS LONG, IT IS CALLED:
– NATANTE DA DIPORTO is a ‘boat with a hull length of 10 meters or less. Please note that boats under 10 meters are not registered and do not need a license if the engine is less than 40 hp. WARNING! THE TRUE MEASUREMENT OF HULL LENGTH FOR CLASSIFICATION PURPOSES must be measured according to the harmonized standard UNI/EN/ISO/8666.Simply put, the boat-building yard provides this measurement in the documents, as well as tonnage data for boats over 24 meters.
