Which Examination Checking Procedures apply to your boat? (the BSS cannot answer this question)
Please ask your navigation or harbour authority which Certification i.e. which set of BSS Requirements, it is asking for your boat to comply with; Private Boat, Hire Boat Requirements (2017) or Non-Private Boat Requirements (2002)?
Neither BSS Examiners nor the BSS Office can stipulate which boat has what Examination type. This is a matter for the navigation authority only, and it will state which BSS Examination type it needs to support an application for registration/licence/mooring based on the boat's use.
We advise you not to book a BSS examination without reading our pages on ‘Arranging A BSS Examination’ which have important information for making arrangements and preparations in advance of the BSS Examination to help ensure it is a smooth and successful process.
BSS Examination Checking procedures for Private Boats
(All BSS Requirements & BSS Checks boats that are privately owned, managed and used)
Download or read the fourth Edition (Sep 2021) of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures for Private Boats here 
This complete document (4.5 MB) is 167 pages including titles and introductions. It comprises of: -
- 82 pages setting out all the BSS Core Checks
- 9 page checklist
- 27 pages of Appendices supporting the BSS Examination Procedures (limited revision August 2022)
Notes on the Revised and improved BSS Examination Checking Procedures - The BSS committees have revised the Examination Checking Procedures (ECP) for private and hire boats as a result of an extensive review of the Procedures.
These changes are part of a large number of changes to the ECP splitting of Check actions, swapping some Check numbers, text and information improvements that are designed to result in greater consistency in applying the BSS Checks. that will help everyone’s understanding and application of the BSS Checks, whether they are BSS Examiners, boat owners or members of the marine industry.
However, leading from the improvements in clarity and understanding of the Checks, reinforced with recent extensive training of Examiners, situations could arise where an item may be newly discovered as non-compliant and so could require some adjustments or work to meet compliance and improve safety.
Similarly, the improvements may also address the relatively uncommon situation of any previous over-application the published BSS Requirements.
The Changes have also seen the introduction of two increased BSS Requirements and 20 relaxations arising through lessening of some requirements or expanding potential compliance options and the BSS is running a consultation on these changes.
Full details of the changes are set out on this page [LINK] and you can participate in the public consultation on this page [LINK]
Requirements and Advice - these are the two types on check on Privately owned andmanaged boats in private use.
Those marked with an 'R' are Requirements, they must be complied with if a certification of boat is to be made.
Those marked with an 'A' are Advice Checks i.e. good advice that will help you meet your responsibilities as a boat owner for the safety of people aboard your boat.
Although privately-owned boats do not have to comply with advice checks to achieve BSS certification, each one represents best-safety practice and meeting them all is highly recommended.
Any listed in the Examiners report may be material to the vessel's insurance and the boat owner's duties under the law of occupier's liability.
As such, we recommend that your boat meets all BSS Advice checks. You can then be confident that as an owner, you have achieved a higher standard of safety.
We stress that a BSS examination is not a full condition survey, nor is it an indication that the vessel is fit for purpose and it doesn't check the boat’s general mechanical condition. For example, it does not cover the condition of the hull or deck, nor does it include the integrity of through-hull fittings and/or the stability of the boat. Your boat’s safe condition must include having your boat and appliances being competently installed and serviced in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
The owner's on-going responsibilities include running the equipment as per the instructions and maintaining the vessel in good condition in accordance with the safety requirements; and, any other licensing, registration or mooring conditions of the relevant navigation or harbour authority.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Requirements - section 6.4 of the Examination Checking Procedures1 April 2019
At least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is now a requirement on nearly all private and non-private boats in scope of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Requirements. BSS Certifications will not be issued to boats without alarms.
There is a handout available as an essential guide to all the new requirements and background information. It covers what is required and how the checks will be carried out by BSS Examiners and how the alarms will help keep crew members safe.
Click on this link to download it. 