The International Marine Certification Institute
The International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) was established in Brussels, Belgium, as an independent certification organization to serve the interests of the European and International recreational boating industry. With the establishment of the European Communities Directive for Recreational Craft (94/25/EC), IMCI is able to provide a valuable certification service to manufacturers who desire to market their boats, yachts, and certain components in the European market.
The Directive 94/25/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council for Recreational Craft (RCD) went into effect June 16, 1996. All recreational watercraft marketed in the European Union, with a few exceptions, from 2.50 to 24.00 meters in length, both power and sail, had to comply with the essential requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive before June 16, 1998.
The IMCI has established a list of requirements which insure those vessels approved by this system meet rigid safety standards. Requirements include minimum specifications regarding visibility from the steering position, structural standards, stability and freeboard, buoyancy and flotation, deck and superstructure construction, maximum loading, handling characteristics, steering system, electrical system, navigation lights and much more.
The Colgate 26 is certified by the IMCI. We meet all applicable standards set by Directive 94/25/EC, Design Category B, which states that qualifying boats are designed for offshore voyages where conditions up to, and including winds to 41 knots and significant wave heights up to 13 feet high may be experienced.
Many comparable sport boats in this class under 30' are rated for Category C: Designed for voyages in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers where conditions up to and including winds less than 33 knots and waves of less than 7 feet may be experienced.
Colgate 26 Sailboats is proud to display the IMCI certification seal as a symbol of international quality in the marine builders industry.