It's always a good idea to book an examination a couple of months before it's
due, since if your boat does fail for any reason, you'll still have a reasonable
amount of time to put things right.

If you do pass first time around, the examiner will post-date your new certificate
to start from the date when the old one expires, meaning you don't lose out on
the full four years that each BSS Pass Certificate is valid for.

Finding an examiner is usually quite easy, and there are a number of ways you
can do this. Lists of examiners are available here, from the BSS Office
and from local navigation authority outlets such as offices and locks. Details can
also be found in the main waterways magazines, or you might like to ask fellow
boaters if there's anyone they would recommend.

Be prepared to get two or three quotes, and always have a list of questions to
hand so that you can agree the details right at the outset. For example, does
the price include the cost of a certificate, are there extra charges if the
examiner spends longer inspecting your boat than he expected, and will there
be an extra charge if the examiner needs to make a return visit? Sorting these
details out can help you make an informed choice when selecting an examiner.

Remember, each examiner is free to set his own charges, and market forces
and travelling time will dictate the range of prices given to you.