Boat Safety Scheme - preparing your boat
part 1 - introduction
please select a sub-section here:
The BSS Guide
Introduction
Inboard engines
Electritcal installations
Electrically propelled vessels
Outboard and portable engines
Fire prevention and extinguishers
LPG installations
Appliances, flueing and ventilation
Pollution
Hire boats and safety features
Appendices

Preparing your boat before its examination can really pay off. Apart from
checking to see that installations, components and fittings come up to scratch
before the examiner arrives, there are several things you can do to make the
whole process run smoothly.

  • Have the existing certificate to hand. This will help the examiner with
    information about the boat, such as when it was constructed, and allow him
    to confirm the expiry date of your current certificate.
  • Ensure the boat is fully functional so that a complete examination can take
    place. This includes having a fully charged battery and sufficient gas and
    water, along with any other documentation that shows compliance with the
    BSS requirements. Click here for information on completion of LPG installation.
  • Provide full access to all gas joints and pipework so that they can be
    thoroughly inspected. The examiner can use mirrors and a torch where
    absolutely necessary. Other items such as gas lockers should be unlocked,
    and boards and panels are removed to give access where necessary.
  • Notify any landowners that may be required to give access to the examiner
    so that he can get to where your boat is moored.

By reading the Guide and following this advice, you and your boat should be
properly prepared for the day of the examination.


booking the examination
what happens next