"It's good to see that - at last - the arguments put forward by the marine industry across Europe are being listened to, " he told .The agreement calls for council to reinstate the commission's 3dB allowance for multiple engine installations. In return, parliament agreed to drop calls for in-use compliance testing, asking instead for an assessment of the benefits by the end of 2006.

Steam powered craft will also be exempted from the RCD and emission limits will not be applied to replica engines in craft built for own use.

EU Member States have until June 30, 2004 to put the measures into law, with enforcement from January 1, 2005.

Transitional arrangements cover diesel engines and fourstroke petrol engines until the end of 2005 and until the end of 2006 for two-stroke petrol engines.

The EC expects these measures to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and various pollutants from EU recreational craft by over 50%.

"The move to slip ratification and implementation dates back is excellent, " said Parker. "It will provide boatbuilders and engine manufacturers alike with a clear date by which they must comply."

But, he added, the move effectively delays the changes to existing provisions of the RCD, such as the new definition for Category D wave height, but these can be dealt with on a case by case basis.

The delay also helps the SoundBoat project, set up to examine best methods of testing noise outputs from recreational craft.

"There will now be a full year for the results of this important work to be utilised by the marine industry, " said Parker.