2 Experience, Knowledge & Skills

The BSS New Examiner Training Programme covers the application of the BSS Examination checking procedures and presumes prior knowledge of boat systems, and so we expect you’ll already know, for example, the difference between a spark-ignition engine and a compression ignition engine, and that you’ll be able to identify a fuel supply hose from a hydraulic hose.

In addition to the right attributes, aptitudes and attitudes, you will also have a mix of the preferred qualifications and practical experience, although this is no guarantee that you will pass the Programme, but it will be a huge help.

You will routinely use email, have regular access to the internet and be comfortable and proficient at using computer applications.

You will also agree that good customer service and relationships will both be good for your business, and it will help your customers to better appreciate those risks and hazards associated with the boats’ fuels, engines, systems and appliances.

You must have pre-existing technical knowledge

A good working knowledge of boat systems is essential if Trainees are to complete the Programme successfully.

The BSS New Examiner Training Programme is not designed to teach boat construction methods, marine engineering skills or other basic information concerning the nature of boat systems. The Programme assumes that all candidates already have experience of boats and their systems. Trainees are expected to have the ability and willingness to self-learn to fill any gaps they feel they may have. 

More specifically you must have a good working knowledge of:

• inboard petrol and diesel engines, outboard engines and their fuel systems;

• diesel fuel heating arrangements;

• 230v (AC) and 12/24v (DC) electrical systems;

• LPG systems and a range of appliances (including cooking and heating).

Relevant qualifications

Typically Examiners will have GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*-C in Maths, English and a Science.

Relevant academic or vocational qualifications are preferred, though not essential. The following marine specific qualifications are accepted as significant to this role:

• BTEC HNCs/HNDs and degrees in Marine Engineering, Boat Design and Production and Marine Technology;

• City & Guilds Certificates in Boat Building, Marine Engineering, Marine Craft Fitting, Maintenance and Support;

• NVQ/SVQ in Marine Engineering, Boat Production and Support Services, Boat Building and Maintenance, Boat Outfitting, Boat Repairing and Marine Engineering Operations;

• BTEC National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering (Marine) and National Diploma in Engineering (Marine).

We are also interested in equivalent qualifications, for example those indicating a familiarity with petrol or diesel engines, electrical, fuel or LPG systems.

The mixture of experience and qualifications will be assessed for suitability at the time of any application to become an Examiner.

Previous experience of the inland waterways marine industry

We are looking for practical or hands-on experience in an area of the inland waterways marine industry – specifically, a minimum of three years relevant experience in a marine environment. Such experience can typically but not exclusively, be found in the following work environments; 

• professional marine surveying

• chandlers/equipment suppliers

• marina service facility

• boat builder/repair yards

• boat hire companies

• marine plant maintenance contractors

• navigation authority direct labour teams

• teaching a marine engineering subject

• engineering trade in the armed forces with marine involvement 

• merchant marine services

Your practical experience will have given you a good general grounding on the range of boat systems including an appreciation of the categories of risk associated with diesel, petrol, LPG, hydrogen and  DC/AC electricity, lithium-ion technology.

You will be at ease using computers and mobile devices with the means to connect to the internet.

BSS recording practices, reporting processes, instructions, advice and messages from the BSS Office are delivered through online systems and communications. Training and development is normally delivered online, although in-person or 'attended training' will be required from time to time.

An Examiner can only be successful if they can use computers and mobile devices effectively. Using email and the internet is now an essential skill and a basic expectation of an Examiner.

If you are still keen to become a BSS Examiner, then please read all the information available to understand the considerable demands and responsibilities that come with the role.