A unique – award winning – software package, the ICOMIA Technical File Generator (ICOMIA TFG) simplifies the entire process of creating and managing compliance documentation required by the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD).
Developed by leading CE-marking consultancy, CEproof in partnership with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), the TFG is a low cost, web based, easy-to-use tool for tackling the complexities of RCD compliance.
After a yearlong transitional period where both old and new RCD were applicable, on 18 January 2017 the new RCD (2013/53/EU) concerning recreational craft and personal watercraft came into effect. This meant that technical documentation relevant to the assessment of the craft – known as the Technical Construction File – must be readily available and contain a detailed description of the craft and all its systems. Plus, as many ISO standards had been updated to reflect the new RCD, the Files of all existing boats and products must also be updated. This created a sizeable administrative burden on the industry, which the new one-of-a-kind ICOMIA TFG is easing.
Users simply enter the key statistics of the craft into the software and instantly obtain a list of all applicable standards as well as the detailed requirements of each of these standards. The ICOMIA TFG will also carry out complicated calculations required for stability and buoyancy as well as allow users to upload external information, for example Declarations of Conformity from suppliers for steering and bilge pump components. The software then generates a bespoke Technical Construction File for each craft, providing only information relevant to that individual craft.
This reduces an unknown quantity of complex standards to a tailored list of specific requirements and technical details, allowing users to navigate compliance quickly and efficiently.
The ICOMIA TGF won the 2017 Innovation Awards in ‘Boatbuilding Methods & Materials’ at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) and has now become the industry standard for a Technical Construction File – saving the boatbuilder time and money.
Craig Morris, Managing Director of CEproof commented on the success of the product so far:
The amount of interest shown in the software jumped this week with, among others, UK narrowboat builders and Cheoy Lee in Hong Kong confirming that they will be using ICOMIA TFG from now on. Gibbs Amphibians have also been a very useful user in that they have provided a lot of feedback and suggestions for improvement, all of which have been implemented.
Another big change this week is the ending of the prerequisite of Rulefinder membership before buying from ICOMIA TFG. This will be implemented today. This is because ABYC have now launched their own access to a standards facility and we do not wish to alienate the entire US market by denying recognition of this. We will continue to encourage access to up-to-date standards so the purchase of Rulefinder and ICOMIA TFG in one step will remain an option.
To find out more on how the ICOMIA TFG works click here. To access the ICOMIA TFG visit www.icomia.tech or contact info@icomia.com for more information