Understanding MRA between USA, EU and UK

There is a great confusion in the US marine safety market regarding the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between USA and EU (including UK)

We find even USCG’s own personnel are not aware of the MRA and its requirements.

History:
The objectives of the mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) are to facilitate trade in marine equipment and to promote cooperation on international marine equipment regulations.  The agreements allow a manufacturer to reach multiple markets on the basis of demonstrating compliance with one set of regulatory requirements.
The mutual recognition agreement between the US and the EC was signed on February 27, 2004 and became effective on July 1, 2004. 
 
The current product scope of the MRAs includes 69 products in three main categories: lifesaving equipment; fire protection equipment and navigational equipment.  The MRAs allow a manufacturer to reach multiple markets on the basis of compliance with one set of regulatory requirements.  This can directly lead to a reduction of costs for manufacturers for testing and certification, and provide ship owners, builders, and operators with a wider selection of equipment providing more flexibility when designing, building, and operating their vessels.
 
The MRAs do not change the requirements of vessel owners and operators to use USCG approved equipment where required on US flag vessels.  However, they do allow vessel owners and operators to purchase and install equipment that has been approved (issued a wheelmark or red ensign, and a USCG Approval number) under the requirements of the MRAs by an EU or EEA EFTA Notified Body or a UK Approved Body.  OCMIs and ROs acting on behalf of the Coast Guard will continue to require USCG approval where required by the applicable regulations.
 
Here you can read which LSA that are approved under the MRA: Mutual Recognition Agreements (uscg.mil)
 
Example that is confusing operators and USCG own inspectors. In this example Ikaros Parachute Rocket Red:

In image above you can see that the Ikaros Parachute Rocket red is approved under the MRA but it says “former may use” So what does it say on the approval document from Europe?

MED-D-MEDD00001TR.pdf (ikarossignals.com)
 
This is very messy for our dealers, vessel inspectors and USCG themselves.
 
All Datrex personnel are committed to guide and give you correct information so please, do not hesitate to contact us.