Boat Safety Scheme invites expressions of interest for 2027 Examiner Training

This is the first time in three years the BSS is running its training programme, which will see candidates become fully qualified Examiners by autumn 2027. Examiners follow a set of specific Checking Procedures to assess whether a vessel complies with BSS Requirements, issuing a BSS Certification to the boat if these are met.

As independent practitioners, Examiners organise their own workload and make their own contracts with boating customers, so they will also need strong administrative and customer service skills alongside a good practical understanding of installed marine systems.

The programme is led by instructors with decades of experience, and includes a mix of online, in-person and field-based learning.

The BSS New Examiner Training Programme is assured by the City & Guilds. It’s a quality mark that validates excellence in training. meaning the BSS training processes meets their global quality standards and can carry the City & Guilds Assured logo.

The full programme includes subjects such as electrical systems and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), including two days at an Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) recognised gas training centre.

Trainees will undertake around 16 online learning modules and attend two separate weeks of training at the BSS’s Examiner Field Craft Training Centre in Norwich, as well as a half-day End of Programme Field Assessment near Northampton.

Course fees are split into two stage payments, which includes an End of Programme Field Assessment and the equivalent of six months of onward support and coaching with an appointed experienced personal champion.

Authorisation as a BSS Examiner allows people already in the marine industry to increase the skills and services they can offer to their customers.

BSS Technical and Quality Manager Harry Pickering, who is leading the drive, said:

“BSS Examiners play a vital role in helping protect boaters, vessels and the inland waterways environment, so we are looking for competent people with a professional approach.

“The number of people living aboard boats has grown substantially since the BSS was established nearly 30 years ago, along with requests for female BSS Examiners, so we would like to encourage any female engineers and technicians to consider the programme and the opportunities it offers.”

Up to 24 candidates will be selected to join the training programme, which will take around eight months to complete.

Anyone interested in becoming an Examiner should submit their CV and covering letter by 3 October 2026. A full guide to what being a BSS Examiner involves, as well as details of the training programme, can be found on the ‘Become An Examiner’ page on the BSS website.

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Notes for Editors

The BSS is a public safety initiative run as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The 17 navigation authorities that have adopted the Scheme, use it to help reduce the risks of fire, explosion and pollution on small craft, typically under 24m. This is done by promoting fire safety and pollution avoidance advice to help boat owners keep themselves and their crew safe as well as regular examination of fuel systems, gas systems, electrical systems and appliances. The BSS is responsible for the administration and supervision of the BSS Examination processes.

A BSS Certification has a life span of four years. Navigation authorities using the Scheme usually require BSS Certification on a boat at the time of licensing, registration, toll renewal or similar. The Certification is achieved when a boat is found to be compliant with all the BSS Requirements relevant for that boat. These can be freely downloaded or read on www.boatsafetyscheme.org. The compliance check, BSS Examination, is carried out by authorised and independent practitioners known as BSS Examiners.

Contacts

National Tel: 0333 202 1000 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.boatsafetyscheme.org