NMMA Explained
What is the NMMA?
How does that effect the boat?
Is it something I should even consider when purchasing a new boat?
These are questions many consumers are asking, and the purpose of this post is to better explain what it means to you as the buyer. NMMA certification is a rigorous and testament to the continued efforts to produce a quality boat.
Q.) What is NMMA Certification?
A.) NMMA Certified boats are produced by manufacturers who go the extra mile to ensure product quality and safety. The NMMA certified program helps boat manufacturers achieve compliance with voluntary industry safety and construction standards, as well as all applicable federal regulations.
By undergoing the third party inspection process required for certification, a manufacturer can feel confident that the boats they build and sell to consumers meet industry - accepted standards. When a manufacturer makes the commitment to produce certified boats, they are committed to certifying each and every model. As a result, the consumer has confidence not only in the boat they purchase, but in the manufacturer as well.
Q.) Why is an NMMA Certified boat better?
A.) NMMA certification is a voluntary quality assurance program that requires compliance with standards established by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). These standards far exceed regulations set by the U.S. Coast Guard, meaning a safer product for boaters and their passengers.
An NMMA certified boat must also pass a rigorous third-party inspection to verify it meets all certification standards.
The NMMA Certification Program covers more than 30 categories of standards based on issues of safety, quality and durability, which vary by boat type and may include:
- Fuel Systems
- Ventilation
- Passenger and weight capacity (on boats under 26′)
- Horsepower Capacity (on boats under 20′)
- Flotation (on boats under 20′)
- Electrical Systems
- Navigation Lights
- Warning Label Placement and Guidelines
- Steering Systems
The Certification Process
1. Manufacturer builds a boat adhering to ABYC standards and USCG regulations with cooperation from the company’s NMMA - trained compliance specialist.
2. NMMA conducts a third-party inspection of the completed model inventory to check for variances, or oversights, to establish standards.
3. Manufacturer makes and documents all changes and corrections to ensure adherence.
4. the boat is then NMMA Certified.
How do you know if the boats you’re buying are NMMA Certified?
- Look for the NMMA Certified Logo on the capacity or yacht plate, located near the helm.
- Ask your Manufacturer
- Visit Discoverboating.com for a complete list of NMMA Certified boat manufacturers.
Other Key advantages for NMMA Certified boats:
- Certified Boats are seven times less likely to be recalled by the USCG for safety issues.
- Certification provides independent verification that critical components like fuel tanks, steering systems, and navigation lights have been tested according to industry standards.
- Certification standards exceed U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations.
- When Buying an NMMA Certified boat, you know that the boat manufacturer went the extra mile to meet all applicable industry standards.
To learn more about the NMMA, please feel free to visit www.nmma.org
