Burton Marine Ltd
Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Examinations
Most of the waterways of Britain require boats to have insurance, a licence and a valid BSS Certificate in place. This requirement includes craft using most of the rivers, lakes and canals of the UK's inland waterway network.
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) minimises the risk of boat fires, explosions, deaths or injuries, and pollution to the waterways.
All powered craft, or vessels with an electrical, gas, or heating system require a BSS Examination every four years in order to be compliant with the requirements of most navigation authorities.
Contact us if you require a BSS Examination carried out.
"The Boat Safety Scheme, or BSS, is a public safety initiative owned equally by the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency. Its purpose is to help minimise the risk of boat fires, explosions, or pollution harming visitors to the inland waterways, the waterways' workforce and any other users."
The Boat Safety Scheme is often likened to the UK's MOT requirement for cars and other motor road vehicles. The majority of the inland navigation authorities, together with some National Parks and coastal areas such as the Norfolk Broads require boats to have a valid BSS Certificate before granting a licence for the vessel to navigate their waterways. A BSS Certificate will currently last four years. The Boat Safety Scheme places a heavy emphasis on aspects of the boat's safety including gas installations and the engine's fuel systems, together with all electrical systems, safe escape routes, and precautions such as portable fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors.
A stringent set of checks must be met before a Certificate can be issued. We can assist with ensuring your craft is compliant with the Boat Safety Scheme and carry out your BSS examination. Note that the BSS requirements have recently become much more stringent and boats that have previously passed their BSS examination may not necessarily do so on the next occasion.
