Marine Engine and Vessel Program Applicability

This page provides information that vessel owners and operators can use to assess how EPA’s marine engine regulations apply. Marine engines installed on vessels flagged or registered in the U.S. are generally subject to our emission standards. Follow the decision tree to see whether your vessel is exempt or whether it is not eligible for import to the US with its current engines.

^a The best way to verify engine certification is to locate a label on the engine with a heading that includes “Emission Control Information” and displays a valid EPA engine family name. Note: If the keel date of the vessel does not match the engine’s model year, please consult EPA’s Emission Standards Reference Guide (pdf) (181 KB, July 2020, EPA-420-B-20-021) or 40 CFR 1042 Subpart B to determine if the emission standard changed between keel date and engine build.

^b Only recreational vessels may use recreational engines. See EPA’s definition of a recreational vessel.

^c The first year of applicable standards varies by engine power and displacement. To find the last year of eligibility to select box 17 on , see the schedule on page 3 of that form. To find the applicable emission standard for a non-exempt engine, see EPA’s Emission Standards Reference Guide (pdf) (181 KB, July 2020, EPA-420-B-20-021) or 40 CFR 1042 Subpart B. For further assistance, contact EPA at complianceinfo@epa.gov.