An emissions rating system will be introduced next month to help boat owners choose outboard engines based on emission information along with other features required to meet their usage requirements.
In a world first, the Outboard Engine Distributors Association of Australia (OEDA) announced at the Brisbane International Boat Show a Voluntary Emission Labelling Scheme (VELS) that will come into effect on January 1, 2007.
The voluntary code would be based on international emission regulations and is supported by the major outboard distributors including Evinrude & Johnson, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Yamaha.
Under the code, engines would have permanent, recognisable external labels that would identify the emission rating of the product.
The rating system is based on world best practice and, while it will be applicable initially to petrol outboard engines only, OEDA will invite any outboard importer and PWC manufacturer to take advantage of the labels.
The aim of the uniform labelling scheme is to assist the consumer in making better informed choices when purchasing an outboard engine.
The message to the boating public is to look for the star-rated labels when buying an engine from January 1, 2007.
The star rating system will be as follows:
. Zero star - High emission - Generally 2-stroke engines
. One star - Low emission - many 2-stroke engines
. Two star - Very low emission - some 2 stroke direct injection and 4 stroke engines
. Three star - Ultra low emission - most 2 stroke direct injection and 4 stroke engines
. Four star - Super ultra low emission - for future technologies
The scheme is based on world standards and, in particular, the world leading USA scheme.
Future development of the Australian VELS will continue to follow world standards.
