After the allegations in Ms Bunting’s blog had been published by the Internet newsletter Scutllebutt Europe, BB received several calls from accessory manufacturers worried they were about to be put out of business.

The BMF also received many similar calls, prompting BMF technical manager Nigel Saw to issue an email statement refuting Ms Bunting’s claims.

‘The BMF has no knowledge of such a ruling,’ said Saw. ‘The RCD is a trade enabling directive which is applied at the first point of sale or use of a new craft. It does not apply retrospectively to used craft already placed on the market in the EU nor does apply “in use” requirements.’

The scare stemmed from the publication of a report by the Irish Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the loss in May 2005 the Hanse 371 Megawat, which went down following failure of the rudder stock. The report includes debate on whether the retro-fitting of a Simrad (formerly Robertson) AP21 autopilot aided the rudder stock breakage, in turn leading to the discussion as to whether retro-fitting equipment altered the boat’s ability to comply with the RCD.

And if retro-fitting accessories affected a boats’ ability to comply with the RCD, it would mean the end of the accessories industry…

But the accessory industry can relax after the BMF insisted this is not the case. ‘While there is provision in the amended RCD for craft that undergo “Major Craft Conversion” to be re-assessed when the modification “alters the craft to such an extent that it is considered a new craft”, this is aimed at the builder or person putting the “converted craft” on the market or taking into first use.’

Ms Bunting declined to comment...'