Frequently Asked Questions Q1: My boat is under 4 years old and has something called an 'RCD' & a 'CE' plate. Do I need a certificate?
Q2: My current Certificate is due to expire. Can I get the examination done early?
Q3: Are there any common problems that I could check before the examination?
Q4: What should I do to prepare for the examination?
Q5: What about checks that are 'advisory' in the guide. Do I need to comply with these items?
Q6: My boat passed last time, so why is it now a failure?
Q7: What is a ‘Warning Notice' and why will I be reported to my Navigation Authority. What does this mean?
Q8: What happens if my boat fails the BSS Examination?
Q9: What will be the cost to have my boat examined?
Q10: Does the inspection include the issuing the certificate?
Q11: Why do I need to be so careful about gas and petrol systems on my boat?
Q12: My Fire Extinguishers seem alright but don't have the labels specified in the BSS Essential Guide. Can I still use them?
Q13: How do I book an examination?
Q1: My boat is under 4 years old and has something called an 'RCD' & a 'CE' plate. Do I need a certificate?
A: No, you do not need a BSSC until your boat is 4 years old as the manufacturer has built the craft to the standards set by the "Recreational Craft Directive". But please ensure you have all your paperwork available at the time of examination, especially if the boat was a sail-away, self build or fit-out. Please call for more information.
Q2: My current Certificate is due to expire. Can I get the examination done early?
A: Certificates can be issued and post dated up to two months before the current one is due to expire. But you must present the old certificate at the time of the examination for the new one to be forward dated. Certificates cannot be backdated.
Q3: Are there any common problems that I could check before the examination?
A: Items that are often listed on failure reports include:-
Corroded gas lockers &/or gas bottles not secured.
Gas pipe joints not clipped or secured within 150mm of each side of joints – Remember all joints must be exposed for the check.
Batteries not secure &/or cables between batteries and battery master switch not of sufficient size (25mm2).
Out of date fire extinguishers i.e. past the expiry date marked on them. Note: It is often cheaper to purchase new extinguishers - valid for five years - rather than have these serviced yearly.
Q4: What should I do to prepare for the examination?
A: Please ensure the marina or mooring owner are aware of my attendance and if you cannot be personally present make sure someone, who has all the necessary keys and knowledge of where the systems are located, is available. The boat will also require enough water, fuel and gas to run the systems for at least 10 to 20 minutes to enable all parts of the test to be completed.
Q5: What about checks that are 'advisory' in the guide. Do I need to comply with these items?
A: Some checks, most notably ventilation checks, are advisory under the Boat Safety Scheme and will not prevent a certificate being issued. However, the certificate will have an endorsement that will show the non-compliance and this may affect the issue of any future insurance policy and/or claim that you may need to make in the future.
Q6: My boat passed last time, so why is it now a failure?
A: The BSS is a scheme that is constantly being reviewed to improve the safety on our waterways and because of this, some checks will inevitably be changed. It can also be caused by perishable or life expired items that are deemed no longer suitable for the purpose. e.g Gas regulators should be replaced if more than 10 years old
Q7: What is a ‘Warning Notice' and why will I be reported to my Navigation Authority. What does this mean?
A: In situations where a boat is deemed to be dangerous (e.g. There is a gas leak or petrol fuel leak) Examiners must issue a Warning Notice & advise the authorities of the situation. In your own interest you must take all advice & act accordingly with great urgency. This is also to protect those around you.
Q8: What happens if my boat fails the BSS Examination?
A; If your boat is found to have defects and does not comply with the current requirements, you will need to arrange a re-test (please see the section under 'Fees' re-examination). If these are simple to rectify and I can return within 1 month to complete the examination there will be no re-test fee.
Q9: What will be the cost to have my boat examined?
A: My current fees are published on this web-site. Click here to take me there.
Q10: Does the inspection include the issuing the certificate?
A: The examination fee includes the issuing of all paperwork required: Examination Report, Appliance Record & the Boat Safety Scheme Certificate (current price £28.20). If the payment is made using Cash I will issue the certificate on the day of examination. If payment is by cheque I will post the Certificate to you as soon as the payment is cleared. Note: I am hoping to be able to accept debit and credit cards in 2010 – please call or email to check whether this is possible
Q11: Why do I need to be so careful about gas and petrol systems on my boat?
A: Both give off vapour heavier than air, so it will sink/drift down into the bottom of your boat where it will accumulate until it becomes an explosive mixture and can easily be ignited by electrical sparks or appliance pilot lights etc. LPG refrigerators and petrol engines can be a potentially lethal combination!
Q12: My Fire Extinguishers seem alright but don't have the labels specified in the BSS Essential Guide. Can I still use them?
A: No. Only extinguishers that have the correct marking are allowed on boats. These have been tested & approved for use by official testing organisations under strict operational conditions.
Q13: How do I book an examination?
A: Click here to proceed!
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