Welcome to the Boat Safety Scheme Guide, an essential handbook for any boater who takes safety seriously and understands the importance of properly installed and maintained boat systems. This Guide takes you step-by-step though the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Standards, providing important information not only about each Check List item that an examiner will inspect on your boat, but also explaining why each Check List item is there in the first place.

Reading the Guide before your BSS examination will help you ensure that your
boat meets all the requirements for a navigation licence. Detailed information
on each Check List item can be found in the relevant chapters, called Parts.
A handy Check List of requirements for each Part of the BSS Standards is
shown at the end of each chapter helping you assess the condition and
compliance of components and fittings on your boat.

Remember though, it's not only just before or just after your BSS examination
that you should think about safety. It's your responsibility as much as it's the
responsibility of the licensing authority to ensure that your boat and crew are as
safe as possible at all times. Because of this, the Guide has been designed as
a companion for all responsible boaters to keep on board and refer to
whenever the need arises.

It's important to remember this Guide is not a DIY instruction manual on boat
construction. It's there to help you if, say, you're thinking of making alterations
to your boat's installations or components, and shows you what is acceptable
and what you should do to comply with the safety requirements. You should
always refer to the manufacturer or supplier, or seek the help of a competent
professional, if you intend to replace, modify or repair any part of your boat's
installations, components and appliances.

Making reference to the latest editions of relevant British Standards or marine
industry codes of practice is also recommended when considering changes to
your boat. Further details of these are included in the Guide along with useful
contact details for further sources of information.