What to Know First
Distinguish statutory wheelmarking, class-society type approval and vessel-specific acceptance.
- Start with flag, class and the equipment category.
- The MED wheelmark identifies marine equipment that meets the applicable EU Marine Equipment Directive requirements.
- Class type approval does not replace vessel-specific design acceptance.
Three layers of acceptance
The flag administration applies statutory requirements. The class society applies its rules and surveys the vessel. A product type-approval certificate identifies the models tested and the requirements they meet.
The parties may overlap, but the documents are not interchangeable.
What the wheelmark means
Equipment covered by the EU Marine Equipment Directive follows the applicable conformity process before being placed on an EU-flagged ship. The wheelmark identifies equipment that has completed that process.
Read the module, notified-body number, standards and product schedule.
- Flag acceptance
- Class-society rules and type approval
- Wheelmark where the MED applies
- Vessel-specific drawing and commissioning approval
Why the vessel submission still matters
Detector spacing, panel capacity, cable routes, environmental location, power supplies and cause-and-effect belong to the vessel design. A valid product certificate cannot confirm those choices.
Keep certificates with the approved system drawing and survey record.
Marine approval layers
| Supporting documents | What it supports | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| MED wheelmark | EU statutory conformity for defined marine equipment | Approve the vessel installation |
| Class type approval | Model compliance with stated class rules | Replace flag or vessel review |
| Vessel approval | The installed design on a named vessel | Automatically cover later modifications |
Project Checklist
Flag, class, type, build date and contract specification.
MED item or class-rule product category and environmental class.
Exact model, revision, standards, expiry and limitations.
Approved drawings, calculations, commissioning and survey records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is class type approval enough for an EU-flagged ship?
Not where the equipment falls within the Marine Equipment Directive. Confirm wheelmark and flag requirements as well as class.
Official references
Information is based on reviewed sources and our experience at the date shown. Use it at your own risk and verify current codes, certificates and project conditions. Report an issue or suggest a correction.