The Boat Safety Scheme explained: who needs a BSS certificate?

What is the Boat Safety Scheme?

The Boat Safety Scheme, often shortened to BSS, is a not-for-profit public safety scheme. It works with navigation and harbour authorities to cut the risk of boat fires, explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning and pollution on inland waterways. It is endorsed by the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, the Broads Authority and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities.

The scheme sets minimum safety requirements and trains and authorises the examiners who check boats against them. When a boat passes, the examiner records the certification on the BSS database. More than a dozen navigation authorities in England, Scotland and Wales accept it as part of a registration, licence or mooring application.

Who needs a BSS certificate?

On most inland waterways, a boat must be licensed or registered, insured and hold valid BSS certification before it can cruise, and sometimes before it can moor. On Canal & River Trust waters you need a valid certificate or an exemption before you can buy a licence, and the Trust says it cannot re-licence a boat without one.

Some boats are exempt. Open craft with no engine, such as canoes, rowing boats, paddleboards and dinghies, do not need a certificate. Canal & River Trust also treats boats with no gas, electrical, heating or fuel systems as exempt. The navigation authority for your waterway has the final say, so check with them before you book an examination.

How often do you need a BSS examination?

A BSS certificate is valid for four years. Put the expiry date in your diary and book well ahead, as examiners get busy before the boating season and any repairs take time.

Brand-new boats are treated differently. A new boat built to the recreational craft standards should already meet safety rules, and a fully fitted boat needs a BSS certificate after four years. A sail-away boat that you fit out yourself needs a certificate after one year, however much of the fit-out is finished. If you visit a waterway without a certificate or exemption, ask that authority about short-term visitor options.

What does the examiner check?

The examination follows set checking procedures and usually takes between one and four hours, depending on the size and layout of the boat. The examiner looks at the systems that can cause fire, explosion or poisoning. Since 1 April 2019, boats with accommodation also need suitable working carbon monoxide alarms to pass.

• Fuel systems for inboard and outboard engines, including tanks, pipes and filling points.
• Electrical installations, batteries, cables and fuses.
• LPG systems, gas appliances, pipework and the gas locker.
• Heating and cooking appliances, flues and ventilation.
• Fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
• Carbon monoxide alarms: number, position, standard and working condition.
• Pollution risks, such as fuel or oil leaks into the bilge.

Is the BSS the same for private and hire boats?

No. Privately owned, privately managed boats in private use must meet the BSS General Requirements. Since 1 April 2017, hire boats, including day boats, weekly hire, bareboat charters and some shared ownership arrangements, have their own requirements and checking procedures.

Commercial boats with a skipper carrying passengers, workboats and rescue boats follow the non-private boat standards. For hotel boats and boats used as a long-term home, check with your navigation authority. When you hire a boat, it is fair to ask the operator to confirm the boat holds current certification and the right licence for the way it is used.

How does the BSS link to your licence and insurance?

The certificate on its own does not let you cruise. Canal & River Trust asks for a valid BSS certificate and up-to-date boat insurance before it licenses a boat, and you will need the certificate number and your insurer details when you renew. On the River Thames, the Environment Agency requires powered boats to hold third-party insurance for as long as they are registered.

Keep your certificate, insurance and licence dates together so none of them lapses. A pass is also only a snapshot. Poor maintenance or alterations that do not meet the requirements can make the boat non-compliant before the four years are up.

How to prepare for a BSS examination

The Boat Safety Scheme publishes the faults it finds most often, and most are simple to put right before the examiner arrives. A little preparation can save a second visit.

• Secure batteries so they cannot move about, and support cables in a safe position.
• Have a Gas Safe engineer check the LPG system for leaks and sound joints.
• Carry enough suitable fire extinguishers, in date and easy to reach.
• Fit the right number of working, in-date carbon monoxide alarms.
• Make sure fuel shut-offs, battery isolators and the main gas valve are in open view or clearly marked.
• Check gas burners light properly and give a steady flame.

How AYS can help

If your boat needs work before or after an examination, you can describe the job on AYS and local boat repairers send free quotes. Say where the boat is kept and whether the marina allows outside contractors. You can also book a boat hire trip and ask the operator about their certification.

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