Standards for the use of inland waterways by recreational craft (2000)

The working group 8 was set up to survey the dimensions of boats adapted for sport and recreational navigation and to establish the relationships between boat dimensions and waterway characteristics. The investigations undertaken by working group led to the suggestion that the existing classification of European waterways of November 1992 could be extended by three categories to cover all waterways smaller than those of class I dimensions: RA (small open boats, canoes, rowing boats, etc.), RB (medium size cabin cruisers and sailing boats) and RC (large motor yachts). Following the selection of boat categories, recommendations are made for waterway dimensions. Further the report elaborates on desirability and dimensions of infrastructural provisions. The suggested categories could well prove useful by ensuring that future infrastructural planning, by refereing to these standards, takes more fully into account the economic and social importance of recreational use of inland waters.