About us

Boat Safety Scheme Limited (BSS) is a public safety initiative helping to protect people, property and environments across the UK’s inland waterways. A not-for-profit company, working with navigation and harbour authorities to reduce the risks of boat fires, explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and pollution.

 

  • Introduce, maintain, review and develop a set of Boat Safety Standards for adoption by UK navigation and harbour authorities to help those authorities reduce risks linked to the use of boats
  • Provide BSS Examination Checking Procedures to assess the condition of boats against Standards
  • Educate waterway users about the BSS Standards and promote safety and environmental protection to help reduce the risks linked to boating
  • Provide a comprehensive training and authorisation programme for BSS Examiners to effectively conduct BSS Examination Checking Procedures
  • Undertake quality assured Examinations of boats ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory standards
  • Actively facilitate and encourage all inland navigation and statutory harbour authorities across the UK to adopt the BSS common technical safety standards
  • Through research and information sharing we will help reduce risks associated with the use of boats.

  • Trust & Transparency: Committed to maintaining the trust of navigation and harbour authorities, boaters, and stakeholders through integrity and open communication
  • Excellence in Safety: Continuously improving to enhance safety on the water
  • Innovation: Proactively identifying emerging safety risks, apply lessons from past incidents, and adapt to new challenges
  • Collaboration & Engagement: Including stakeholders in cohesive discussions when proposing changes and making key decisions
  • Efficiency & Value: Ensuring we are cost-effective while prioritising safety and service improvements
  • Accessibility & Inclusion: Striving to make the BSS accessible to all navigation and harbour authorities, supporting a unified approach to boat safety

People, property and environments are protected through trusted checks, clear guidance, and shared responsibility