BSH-Cert - Notified Body for Navigation and Radio-Communication Equipment
In Germany the BSH-Cert Department of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) is the „notified body“ or the „conformity assessment body“ in accordance with the Maritime Equipment Directive 96/98/EC – MED.
In order to bring safe maritime products without any national barriers into the European market, the conformity for these products in accordance with European Community requirements has to be verified. Several different systems can be employed depending on their importance to the safety to the population, the environment or the economy. These different systems range from a formal Declaration of Conformity issued by the manufacturers to proper assessments carried out by a third party (these are called the "notified bodies" or "conformity assessment bodies").
Since ships could become exceptional hazard for the lives, environment or the economy, in 1996 the EU established the Maritime Equipment Directive, so that all marine equipment confirms to minimum requirements (standards) which can be verified by type approval and through the surveillance of their production. This “conformity assessment” is be carried out by "notified bodies", which have been appointed by the EU members states and who have to work in accordance with a system of maintaining the minimum Standards of requirements.
BSH-Cert (former BSH) is “notified body” for navigation and radio-communication equipment since implementation of the Maritime Equipment Directive in 1999. Since 2008 the scope has been extended also to cover other electronic maritime equipment.
Conformity-assessment for Life-saving appliances, Marine pollution prevention equipment and Fire protection equipment based on the Marine Equiopment Directive are performed in Germany by the Testing and Certification Body for Ship's Equipment of the Ship Safety Division at BG Transport and Traffic.
In addition to the type of equipment defind in the Maritime Equipment Directive, applications for national approvals and approvals for certain specific inland navigation equipment can be made by the BSH.