All devices intended for ships of the member states of the European Community are subject to MED approval and subsequent marking with the wheelmark represented by a distinctive symbol in the shape of a rudder.
The aim of MED is to ensure the free movement of these devices within the European Community and to bring them into line with the standards of the IMO Conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL and COLREG).
The coordination of notified bodies that can issue approvals is entrusted to Mared, which also provides a database of all approved products.