FAQ for dealers

  1. What is NMMA Certification?

    NMMA Certified boats are produced by manufacturers who go the extra mile to ensure systems safety. The NMMA certification program helps boat manufacturers achieve compliance with voluntary industry safety and construction standards as well as all applicable federal regulations. By undergoing the third party inspection process required for certification, a manufacturer can feel confident that the boats they build and sell to consumers meet industry accepted standards. When a manufacturer makes the commitment to produce certified boats, they are committed to certifying each and every model. As a result, consumers have confidence not only in the boat they purchase, but in the manufacturer as well.

  2. Why is an NMMA Certified boat better?

    While all boats in the United States must meet minimum standards established by the
    U. S. Coast Guard (USCG), the NMMA ensures manufacturers participating in its voluntary certification program adhere to standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), as well as those of the USCG. The ABYC standards go well beyond the USCG minimum set to ensure a safer product for boaters and their passengers. All NMMA Certified boats have been inspected to ensure that all applicable standards have been met and are adhered to. The Certification program covers over 30 categories of standards, which vary by boat type and may include:

    • Fuel Systems
    • Ventilation
    • Passenger and weight capacity (on boats under 26')
    • Horsepower Capacity (on boats under 20')
    • Flotation (on boats under20')
    • Electrical Systems
    • Navigation Lights
    • Warning Label Placement and Guidelines
    • Steering Systems

  3. What is the process of NMMA Certification?

    A manufacturer will produce a boat adhering to ABYC and USCG standards with cooperation from the company's NMMA-trained compliance specialist. NMMA will then inspect the completed model inventory to check for variances, or oversights, to established standards. The manufacturer will then make and document all changes and corrections to ensure adherence. Only at that point will a boat become NMMA Certified.

  4. How do I know if the boats I sell are NMMA CERTIFIED?

    • Look for the NMMA Certified logo on the capacity or yacht plate, located near the helm
    • Ask your manufacturer
    • Visit www.nmma.org/certifiedboats for a complete list of Certified boat manufacturers

  5. What Talking Points can help me to close deal?

    • Certified boats are 15 times less likely to be recalled for safety / quality issues
    • Certification provides independent verification that critical components like fuel tanks, steering systems, and navigation lights have been tested according to industry standards
    • Certification standards exceed U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations
    • When buying a NMMA Certified boat, you know that the boat manufacturer went the extra mile to meet all applicable industry standards.
    • NMMA Certified boats meet all applicable industry safety standards and US Coast Guard regulations.

  6. Can I use the NMMA Certified logo in my advertising?

    NMMA recommends the use of its "NMMA Certified using ABYC standards" logo in advertising and marketing efforts. For an electronic copy, contact your manufacturer or Engineering Standards at NMMA. Please observe the following rules:

    • If you sell only NMMA Certified boats, you may use the logo in all of your dealer advertising, including point of sale signage.
    • If you sell both Certified and Non-Certified boats, only place logo in signage on Certified boats. Promoting a Non-Certified boat as Certified will fall under the liability of false advertisement.

  7. Where can I get more information?

    • Contact your manufacturer
    • Contact Engineering Standards at NMMA at 312.946.6200
    • Visit Certification at www.nmma.org