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| | Yacht & Superyacht Water Testing | | Regulatory Requirements Water on board ships, yachts, boats, and other vessels—particularly when used for cruising, charter, or rental purposes—is considered water intended for human consumption and is subject to strict regulation. Maritime Health Authorities require on-board water testing to protect the health of crew and guests. These requirements extend beyond routine potability parameters to include, above all, testing for contamination by pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila and other bacteria. The applicable regulation is Legislative Decree No. 18 of February 23, 2023 (implementing EU Directive 2020/2184), which defines the minimum requirements for water quality. Failure to perform or improper performance of the analyses and risk assessment results in administrative penalties and potential legal risks for the Captain and the Shipowner.
Service Offered
The C.B.A. Chimica Biologia Ambiente laboratory (ACCREDIA-accredited to ISO/IEC 17025) provides chemical and microbiological testing of onboard water for yachts, superyachts, commercial vessels, watercraft, and recreational craft in general. Our analyses are performed according to official methods and are fully legally valid for inspections by maritime authorities.- Renewal of Ship Sanitation Certificate (USMAF): Chemical and microbiological analyses of onboard water in compliance with the requirements of the International Health Regulations, as required by the USMAF-SASN offices of the Ministry of Health for the issuance or renewal of the Ship Sanitation Certificate.
- Regulatory Compliance (Legislative Decree 18/2023): Periodic microbiological testing of water intended for human consumption to protect crew and guests.
- Legionella Monitoring: Targeted testing for Legionella pneumophila in tanks, water heaters, showers, and air conditioning systems.
- Chemical and Physical Parameters: Testing for heavy metals (lead, copper, iron), residual chlorine, and conductivity post-desalination or after pipe flushing.
- Sampling and Dedicated Logistics: Direct on-board collection at the ports of Viareggio, Livorno, Marina di Carrara, La Spezia, and Pisa, or provision of ready-to-use kits for self-sampling.
- Bilingual reports: Analysis results issued in Italian and English for customs checks and international inspections.
Typical Analyses of Onboard Water To ensure the safety of potable water used on vessels and compliance with Legislative Decree 18/2023, we perform a comprehensive package of analyses that includes: - Legionella spp. (Detection and Quantification)
Legionella is the most critical biological risk in complex water systems, including those on yachts. The Detection and Quantification of Legionella spp. is a specific culture-based test to detect the presence of all Legionella species. The C.B.A. Chimica Biologia Ambiente laboratory offers its clients, in addition to the official culture-based method, an innovative accredited genetic technique that instantly detects Legionella DNA in potable water.Microbiological Analyses
Microbiological analyses verify the absence of fecal contamination or general bacterial proliferation in storage tanks and distribution pipes that could compromise health. Indicator bacteria are tested for, including: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci (indicators of fecal contamination); Total Bacterial Count (overall bacterial proliferation); and Total Coliforms (general assessment of hygienic quality).Chemical Analyses
Chemical and physical tests (water quality and corrosion) are vital for health, the integrity of water systems, and guest comfort. They include parameters such as pH, conductivity, hardness, total dissolved solids (fixed residue), heavy metals (e.g., lead, nickel, chromium), and chlorine (to ensure the effectiveness of onboard disinfection).
Top Priority with No Delays
With extensive experience in the recreational boating sector, our laboratory manages the analytical compliance of yachts and superyachts required by the Maritime Health Authority with precision and timeliness. We understand port operations and the need to meet deadlines, so we guarantee logistical management without unnecessary delays. Sampling and the initiation of analyses are given top priority, adhering only to the minimum timeframes dictated by official UNI EN ISO-certified methods (e.g., incubation times). Our operational proximity makes us the ideal partner in the ports of Viareggio, Livorno, and La Spezia, where we already collaborate with leading maritime agencies and prestigious yachts.
Sampling on Vessels
We offer maximum flexibility to adapt to your onboard schedule:
Option 1: Full Service with Onboard Sampling—Our qualified technician goes directly to the vessel to collect samples according to official protocols. Maximum convenience and a guarantee of accuracy.
Option 2: Kit Supply and Express Pickup—We provide sterile sampling kits and detailed instructions. The crew collects the samples, and we handle pickup and the immediate initiation of laboratory analysis.
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Analytical Methods in Detail
C.B.A. Chimica Biologia Ambiente offers a wide range of chemical, biological, and environmental analyses. Discover the analytical and sampling methods used for each type of sample: view the complete list. |
Questions? Ask us!
Do you need an analysis but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help! Contact us with no obligation. | |
| | | Today we’ll be open until 5:00 p.m. Our regular hours are: Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; the lab is closed on Saturday and Sunday. | | |  |  |  | | |
| ACCREDIA-Accredited Laboratory |
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