'A day in the life' an Examiner'
The Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, Broads Authority, and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities are announcing some governance changes to the Boat Safety Scheme which will see it become a not-for-profit company.
15 Aug 2025
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Requirements, Examinations & Certification
Learn how the BSS Examination and certification process works, which requirements apply to different types of boats, and what boat owners need to do before and after the examination.
Arranging A BSS Examination
How to arrange your Boat Safety Scheme Examination – guidance on when and how to book, what to prepare, examiner costs, certification validity, and recent changes to examination procedures.
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
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.
Introducing the BSS
Stay Safe Advice
Practical safety guidance on using and maintaining fuels, systems and appliances, with expert tips to reduce fire, explosion and carbon monoxide risks
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.
What is Carbon Monoxide, and how does it occur?
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Our Visions, Values, Aims and Mission Statement
Our Role
What the Boat Safety Scheme does, who it supports, and how it helps improve safety on the waterways.
Governing The BSS
Governance arrangements for the Boat Safety Scheme
Customer policies
Complaints, queries & appeals processes, website terms & conditions and our open information policy
Consultations & Reviews
Live consultations and reviews
Vacancies
Current vacancies at the Boat Safety Scheme
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