Consultations & reviews

Arranging A BSS Examination

A Boat Safety Scheme Certification is valid for four years. A Declaration of Conformity to Recreational Craft Regulations / Recreational Craft Directive can often be used for its first four years for a complete boat, or first 12 months for a part-built / sailaway boat.

Private Boat Requirements

The complete list of BSS requirements including all checks are available to view and download on this page. These examination checking procedures are for privately-owned, privately managed boats in private use.

Hire Boats Requirements (2024)

The information on this web-page is for hire boat operators and sets out essential and useful information for complying with BSS Hire Boat Requirements.

Non-private Boat Standards

The checks and information about the non-private boat standards are covered here. Which Examination Checking Procedures apply to your boat?

Boats with gas

This section outlines very briefly what you must think about for the BSS examination if you use gas aboard your boat. If you use portable gas equipment, some of this information is still relevant and could keep you safe.

Warning Notices

When are notices issued and why. During the course of a BSS examination, the BSS examiner may observe a problem of a type or severity that will prompt him or her to issue a BSS Warning Notice; and some circumstances make a Hazardous Boat Notification.

Q & A on BSS Examinations

People new to boating and some existing boaters, fresh to inland waters where the BSS Certification is required, often have questions about the concept of the Boat Safety Scheme. Here are the answers to some of the more common questions.

10 most common fails

Owning a boat is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with essential safety responsibilities. This page highlights the most common mandatory safety standard failures that we find in 21,000 BSS Examinations we carry out each year.

Fire Safety For Boats

Boating is usually fun and relaxing, but even the most experienced boater should prepare for the worst.

Lithium-ion Battery Safety

Fire services are reporting increasing numbers of fast-spreading fires caused by damaged or failing lithium-ion batteries.

Petrol Safety

All boaters using petrol, and especially anyone new to boating, should appreciate the nature of petrol vapour especially in the context of the bucket-like quality of a boat cabin and hull.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

It only takes one faulty appliance, blocked flue or a build-up of engine exhaust gas to potentially harm you and your family.

Solid Fuel Stoves

Solid fuel stoves provide a dry and economical form of heat making thousands of boats on UK inland waterways very cosy.

Generator Safety

There are three critical risks linked to using generators that boaters must know about and manage if they are to keep themselves and other people safe from being poisoned, being electrocuted and avoiding fire.

Electrical Safety

The BSS working with the Electrical Safety First has tips and advice for boaters on how to act to avoid the risks of electric shock to themselves and persons around the boat.