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Boat Safety Scheme - Go Boating, stay safe
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  • Requirements, Examinations & Certification
    • Arranging A BSS Examination
    • Private Boat Requirements
    • Hire Boats Requirements (2024)
    • Non-private Boat Standards
      • part 2 - inboard engines
      • part 3 - electrical installations
      • part 4 - electrically propelled vessels
        • electrical installation
        • battery arrangements
        • propulsion motor
        • reversing
        • master switch
        • battery charger connection
        • battery charging panel
        • battery charging
        • ventilation of motor & controller compartments
        • need more help or advice on part 4?
        • part 4 checklist
      • part 5 - outboard & portable engines
      • part 6 - fire prevention & extinguishing equipment
      • part 7 - LPG installations
      • part 8 - appliances, flueing & ventilation
      • part 9 - pollution
      • part 10 - non-private boats & safety features
    • Boats with gas
    • Warning Notices
    • Q&A on BSS Examinations
    • 10 most common fails
  • Stay Safe Advice
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  • BSS
  • Boat Examination & Certification
  • Non-private Boat Standards
  • part 4 - electrically propelled vessels
  • master switch

master switch

  • Arranging A BSS Examination
  • Private Boat Requirements
  • Hire Boats Requirements (2024)
  • Non-private Boat Standards
    • part 2 - inboard engines
    • part 3 - electrical installations
    • part 4 - electrically propelled vessels
      • electrical installation
      • battery arrangements
      • propulsion motor
      • reversing
      • master switch
      • battery charger connection
      • battery charging panel
      • battery charging
      • ventilation of motor & controller compartments
      • need more help or advice on part 4?
      • part 4 checklist
    • part 5 - outboard & portable engines
    • part 6 - fire prevention & extinguishing equipment
    • part 7 - LPG installations
    • part 8 - appliances, flueing & ventilation
    • part 9 - pollution
    • part 10 - non-private boats & safety features
  • Boats with gas
  • Warning Notices
  • Q&A on BSS Examinations
  • 10 most common fails

An electrical fault on your boat could cause sparks or overheating cables, which in turn could ignite flammable materials or gases. In the event of such a fault, you must be able to disconnect the electrical system by means of a master switch. A manually operated master switch needs to be positioned so that it can be operated from the steering position. It must be capable of cutting off the electrical supply to the propulsion motor. [4.5]

The Boat Safety Scheme Limited is a public safety initiative, run as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales with company number 15501423. Registered office address c/o National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port South Pier Road Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 4FW.

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The BSS is endorsed by the following organisations:

  • Canal & River Trust
  • The Environment Agency
  • Broads Authority
  • Association of Inland Navigation Authorities
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