'A day in the life' an Examiner'

What do you enjoy most about being an Examiner?

Meeting like-minded people and boaters from a variety of backgrounds. In addition, as a qualified risk manager, I always want to ensure that people can enjoy the waterways safely. This is my overriding commitment to ensure all the vessels that I examine are safe for all the people that the owners may invite onto their boats.

What part of the job do you find the most challenging?

On occasions, some owners do not like me failing their boat. I always try to explain fully why and the safety implications, for example, not having the correct type and amount of fire extinguishers or fuel hoses etc.

What tools or equipment do you always take with you?

I always have an intrinsically safe torch and head lamp along with an endoscope or mirror to examine underneath certain parts that are less accessible. I also use a measure, a vernier gauge and an electronic manometer. I always have a spare pen and wear gloves for most of the examination.

Do you prefer working solo, or do you enjoy engaging with boaters?

I always prefer to have the boat owner present, however this is not always possible. To accommodate owners, I will even complete at weekends and occasional evenings, daylight permitting.

What’s one thing you wish more boaters knew before an Examination?

Almost without exception the boat owner just wants the certificate so that they can get their boat licence. I do explain why the BSS examination is completed and ensure they have a written explanation of this that is supplied by the BSS.

From experience more and more owners are taking the effort to access the BSS website to get details of the requirements.

I ensure that the owner is responsible for their boat and the safety of it and other boats who may be moored near them.

Is there a memorable or surprising moment you’ve had in the field?

One time a boat owner that I failed on my initial examination, failed on poor wiring where the insulation had melted revealing bare wire conductors.

On the second examination when this had been repaired, I had a brief conversation with the owner and stated that the last thing you would want is a fire onboard. He subsequently told me that the boat was up for sale and not selling as quickly as he wanted, he then stated that if the boat had caught fire, he’d only claim on his insurance hence resolving the sale issue, a very blasé and irresponsible owner!

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a BSS Examiner?

That they must be passionate about examining boats to the highest safety standards, so far as is reasonably practicable in line with the ECP requirements of the BSS, therefore making the waterways as safe as possible.

That there is an expectation that they will maintain and improve their competence as an examiner.

It is a very rewarding job that you must do robustly and with due vigour.