[Zanshin]

For those with slow internet connections, the cut-and-paste from the aforementioned PDF file is:

1. Boat design categories
tions up to, and including, wind force 4 and
significant wave heights up to, and including,
0.5 m may be experienced.
Boats in each category must be designed and
constructed to withstand these parameters in
respect of stability, buoyancy, and other relevant
essential requirements listed in Annex I,
and to have good handling characteristics.
Notes on boat design categories
The main purpose for having boat design
categories is to differentiate between the
various levels of risks related to the construction
of boats and to choose from among the
various conformity assessment modules the
adequate modules for each design category,
also taking into account the hull length.
The ‘significant wave height’ is considered to
be the primary factor and other parameters
(e.g. meteorological) are descriptions of when
these wave heights may be expected to occur.
NB:
The design category parameters are intended
to define the physical conditions that might
arise in any category for design evaluation, and
should not be used to limit the geographical
areas of operation due to the variety of physical
conditions likely to be met in different geographical
areas.
The directive does not include any navigation
or usage rules and there is no link between
the design categories and any such rules;
taking into account construction safety, the
user is only clearly informed of what the boat
was designed and built for in relation to
certain parameters of significant wave heights
and wind speeds.
The physical conditions shall be determined
from the maximum wind force and wave
profiles, where wave profiles are consistent
with waves generated by wind blowing at the
maximum stated force for a prolonged period
Annex I
33
Design Wind force Significant
category (Beaufort scale) wave height
(H 1/3, metres)
A — ‘Ocean’ exceeding 8 exceeding 4
B — ‘Offshore’ up to, and up to, and
including, 8 including, 4
C — ‘Inshore’ up to, and up to, and
including, 6 including, 2
D — ‘Sheltered up to, and up to, and
waters’ including, 4 including, 0.5