1) Why do examiners need to be trained and assessed on their electrical knowledge and understanding?
The training is necessary because of the increasing complexity of boat electrical systems encountered and the need to refresh knowledge and skills on the application of the electrical BSS Examination Checking Procedures including on background knowledge of electrical hazards and risks. This bearing in mind that the original BSS electrical training material was developed in the late 1990's and electrical systems have come on remarkably since then.
The training will help examiners identify the range of electrical components likely to be encountered and so will enable an increased consistency of BSS examination.
Equally importantly it will help keep examiners safe from the potential for electrocution because the course will provide an appropriate level of understanding of the risks associated with AC electrical systems on boats.
2) Why not just provide training, why an assessment as well?
At the end of the day passing an assessment is what the BSS require of examiners and we recognise that there are some examiners who already have enough knowledge to do this without the need for training, hence the option to choose the ½-day assessment.
Passing the assessment provides the BSS and the Navigation Authorities, with a continued assurance that examiners have appropriate knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with AC and DC electrical systems and components to safely and effectively examine electrical installations on boats to BSS requirements.
3) What if an examiner doesn't pass the assessment by registration time in 2010?
Passing the assessment before the end of March 2010 is a condition of BSS Examiner re-registration next year. It is recognised however, that there may be circumstances that mean a small number of examiners have been unable to achieve this. The circumstances will be viewed on an individual basis, but in essence those few examiners concerned will have to be booked on to one additional course in April 2010 to permit re-registration. This final course will likely be in the Northwest of the country and examiners will have to attend at their own expense.
4) Who is providing the training and assessments?
The training and assessments are being delivered by Waterside Training of St Helens Merseyside. Waterside Training specialise in delivering practical skills based training particularly concerning electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines. The training material has been developed by Waterside training in conjunction with the BMF and BSS and the delivery will be a combination of PowerPoint, practical demonstrations and with plenty of opportunity for input from attendees.
5) How many examiners can go on any one course?
A maximum of 15 examiners can attend a course with up to an additional 5 attending for the assessment only.
6) Will passing the assessment give me a qualification to fit electrical equipment in boats?
No, but it will provide a basic understanding of boat electrical safety that could be a good grounding for those intending further training as marine electrical fitters.
7) Will I need to go on a refresher course in the future?
There are no plans for periodic assessment courses for examiners concerning electrical systems.
8) Will the training lead to safer boats?
Electrical fires, as a cause of accidental boat fires recorded by the BSS has remained in the top three of known causes for many years. The problem with the information we have is that there is not enough detail upon which to determine the precise causes, i.e. cables, fusing appliance circuitry, batteries, etc. It is hoped that increased consistency of BSS checks may help increase BSS understanding of how electrical fires are caused and may help reduce the proportion of electrical fires.
9.) Is there something not covered by any of the information published on this website?
Send an email to the BSS Office