Nautical refit – Between standards and design
ENAVE and the Order of Engineers of Genoa: Technical Seminar at the Genoa Boat Show
On September 20, 2019, during the 59th Genoa International Boat Show, ENAVE, in collaboration with the Order of Engineers of Genoa, held a technical seminar to illustrate the technical, design, regulatory, and practical aspects of refitting or repairing a pleasure craft.
The Importance of Refitting
Refitting a boat involves a series of activities such as adding or replacing an element, customizing to meet the owner’s needs, restoring worn or poorly maintained parts, and introducing technological elements to improve navigation, performance, and fuel efficiency.
The nautical refit sector is growing, with a turnover of approximately 240 million euros (source: Ucina). This market segment is consolidating as an emerging reality in continuous development, prompting important reflections.
Regulations and Obligations
The regulatory framework is constantly evolving, and it is essential to provide tools to professionals assisting boat owners in these operations. The goal is to combine the owner’s desires with technical and legislative requirements. During the seminar, refitting was analyzed in the context of the relationship between the yard/designer and the technical body, offering an educational experience for industry operators to understand the procedures and their importance.
Design and Regulatory Aspects
The first panel of experts, including Eng. Damiano Lancia, Eng. Giovanni Ceccarelli, and Eng. Stefano Signori, focused on the design aspects from the yard’s perspective, the owner’s requests, and the procedures to be implemented in collaboration with the technical body. Meeting the client’s requests is fundamental for the yard, but it must comply with current regulations. Modifying a boat can sometimes involve more extensive interventions, such as verifying the Essential Requirements imposed by Directive 2013/53 EU.
The second panel, featuring ENAVE technicians Eng. Alessandro Suardi and Eng. Giulia Cresci, focused on the regulatory part. A refit or repair can take different forms depending on the extent of the modification. If significant changes alter the essential requirements, a Post Construction Assessment (PCA) is necessary. If the changes are not essential, validation of the safety certificate, valid only for units registered with the RID, is required.
The Future of Nautical Refitting
New shipyard realities are emerging, focusing on refit due to strong competition in the new construction market. Therefore, it is crucial to train and inform industry experts. Although increasingly selective and qualitative, this market will continue to offer good opportunities for operators.
ENAVE remains committed to supporting industry professionals through continuous training and updates, ensuring that boats always meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Speakers
- Eng. Francesco Prinzivalli – Naval Engineer – ENAVE Founding Member
- Eng. Damiano Lancia – Nautical Engineer – Customer Care & Refit Manager at Vismara Marine
- Eng. Giovanni Ceccarelli – Ceccarelli Yacht Design
- Eng. Giulia Cresci – Nautical Engineer – ENAVE Assessment Office
- Eng. Stefano Signori – Naval Engineer – Studio Mare Nostrum
- Eng. Alessandro Suardi – Naval Engineer – Head of ENAVE Assessment Office
