Major craft conversion means a conversion of a watercraft which changes the means of propulsion of the watercraft, involves a major engine modification, or alters the watercraft to such an extent that it may not meet the applicable essential safety and environmental requirements laid down in this Directive.

Now it is not fully regulated what constitutes `altering a watercraft to such an extent that it may not meet the applicable essential safety and environmental requirements …..`. What a manufacturer or owner has to do is asses the risks of the change using their technical expertise. They are also allowed to consult with a notified body to review these changes and to determine if a re-assessment is required. The PCA Module will be used for re-assessment.

Note from ERFU 137: A change to the declared limitations of compliance (e.g. crew limit and/or design category) has the potential to result in a watercraft not meeting the applicable essential requirements and thus constitutes a major craft conversion. An owner wishing to change the limitations of a watercraft must submit to Post Construction Assessment.