Latest news & press releases | Boat Safety Scheme

NR24-003 Morco water heaters - critical safety upgrade [31/07/2024]
Morco Products Ltd open flued water heaters - critical safety upgrade alert The BSS is supporting Morco, in its on-going campaign to find and fix potentially dangerous models of its LPG water heaters that may leak gas with the risk of causing fires or explosions
NR24-002 The Boat Safety Scheme transitions into Boat Safety Scheme Limited [08/03/2024]
The Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, Broads Authority, and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities are announcing some governance changes to the Boat Safety Scheme which will see it become a not-for-profit company.
BSS Welcomes Calor Confirmation of the Continued Supply of 3.9kg Propane and 4.5kg Butane Cylinders [25/01/2024]
Just before Christmas, Calor’s Network Team reaffirmed that Calor is to continue to supply the 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane cylinder sizes and is working hard to return supply to normal as soon as possible. The BSS welcomes this latest announcement to continue to supply these smaller cylinders as it could mean that boaters may not need to make any changes to the boat’s LPG system to suit a different size of cylinder.
Calor new position of filling small capacity LPG cylinders welcomed by BSS [06/04/2023]
Further to its published decision in January to discontinue its small capacity LPG cylinders from 1st February 2023, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is very encouraged by Calor changing its position having listened to the concerns of the BSS and the boating community.
MAIB report into fatal person overboard from a hired motor cruiser [12/05/2022]
The MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch), an independent unit within the Department for Transport, published (05/05/2022) its investigation report into the fatal person-overboard incident involving the motor cruiser Diamond Emblem 1 at the Broads Authority’s Great Yarmouth Yacht Station, on the River Bure, 19 August 2020.
NR22-001 BSS Launches Public Consultation on Revisions to the Examination Checks [07/03/2022]
A public consultation by the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) on proposals within a clarified and improved set of BSS Examination Checking Procedures (ECP) opened today Monday 7 March and will run to Tuesday 31 May 2022 and is available on its website www.boatsafetyscheme.org/ECPconsultation
Report on carbon monoxide poisoning of two friends in York – learn the lessons from this repeated story [15/04/2021]
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is asking boaters to learn the lessons when, for the second time in six years, two inland boaters have died in a craft having equipment DIY installed with improvised, unsuitable exhaust systems and no working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, according the to the Marine Accident investigation Branch report published today on the vessel Diversion, on which two friends died in York on 4 December 2019
Take the lessons from the death from carbon monoxide poisoning of two friends in York [26/10/2020]
Following the deaths of two friends from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in a boat called Diversion in York in December 2019, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published a safety flyer with the lessons learnt from its initial findings and the Boat Safety Scheme is urging boaters to read it and adopt the safety advice immediately.
Navigation Authority Extended Recognition of BSS Certifications Due To COVID-19 Ends Today [31/07/2020]
Inland waterway navigation authorities that have extended their recognition of existing Boat Safety Scheme Certifications (BSSC) beyond their expiry dates because of COVID-19 restrictions, are now ending this extended recognition today (31 July) as stated in previous advice. Most boats owners have now obtained a new BSSC for their craft, but those remaining owners of boats with expired BSSC should now arrange to have a BSS Examination as soon as possible.
NR20-006 BSS Examination COVID-19 suspension lifted [14/05/2020]
Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Examinations, suspended in the COVID-19 related lockdown, have now resumed for most boat owners, but they will happen in a ‘new normal’ framework based on the latest Government guidance.
BSS COVID-19 Suspension - Planning for Changes [07/05/2020]
It is our firm intention to re-start Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Examinations as soon as possible, and following the Government announcements about the next phase of the lockdown, expected on Sunday 10 May, we will be working with stakeholders on a plan to re-start while continuing to protect and support boat owners, examiners and other people such as those working in marinas.
COVID-19 News BSS Examinations Temporary Suspension Further Extended to 11 May [20/04/2020]
The joint owners of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) are extending the temporary extension to safety certificates for those craft requiring an examination to 11th May. Navigation Authorities and licensing bodies will maintain a record of those boats having extended BSS recognition.
COVID-19 News BSS Examinations Temporary Suspension Extended - 30 April [09/04/2020]
The joint owners of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) are extending the temporary extension to safety certificates for those craft requiring an examination to 30th April.
COVID-19 News Boat Safety Scheme Examinations Temporary Suspension [27/03/2020]
Following the most recent announcement from the Prime Minister regarding the UK’s response to the coronavirus crisis, the joint owners of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) are allowing a temporary extension to safety certificates for those craft requiring an examination in the period until the 14th April. Any future change will be reviewed in respect of the Government's most up to date advice and we will advise you accordingly. In the meantime, Navigation Authorities and licensing bodies will maintain a record of extensions.
Act now, as carbon monoxide alarms became mandatory in April [27/03/2019]
From 1 April at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm became 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.
NR18-005 New BSS requirements for suitable certified CO alarms to BS EN 50291 [17/12/2018]
Following the public consultation in Autumn 2018 on proposed changes to the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) the BSS Management Committee has decided that new BSS Requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on boats will be introduced from next April. Strong support for the changes was demonstrated in the responses to the consultation with 84% in favour of introducing a requirement for suitable working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
NR18-004 Consultation opens on mandatory new CO alarm BSS Requirements [17/08/2018]
A public consultation on a proposal to introduce mandatory new Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on boats opens today Friday 17 August and will run to Friday 9 November 2018.
NR18-003 Alert - Choose the right CO alarm, the best purchase you can make, but be aware of false claims! [26/06/2018]
Following media reports this June about non-working imported carbon monoxide (CO) alarms sold on internet shopping sites, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is cautioning boaters, that choosing the right CO alarm is an especially critical decision as boats can fill in minutes, sometimes seconds, with lethal levels of the highly toxic gas.
Blunt warning about carbon monoxide for boaters using petrol engines [09/04/2018]
Put bluntly, if you can smell petrol-engine exhaust fumes in the boat, kill the engine(s) and get out fast before you inhale any further toxic fumes!
NR18-001 Next BSS business plan to 2022 includes certification price rise [23/01/2018]
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Management Committee has agreed a new four-year business plan to resource its work to 2022 and invest in improvements that will have an even longer-term benefit. The plan also includes the first price rise in certification charges for eight years.
NR17-001 Ignore CO At Your Peril [11/05/2017]
NR 001.17 Ignore petrol-engine exhaust fumes inside boats at your peril - it’s indicating your boat may be filling with carbon monoxide
NR16-006 BSS Publishes Hire Boat Specifc Checks Dec [13/12/2016]
New and revised checks for hire boats have been published by the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS).
NR16-002b Clesse Novacomet BP1803 LPG Regulator Recall Alert UPDATE [14/10/2016]
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is supporting Clesse Industries to make boaters aware of the immediate product recall on its Novacomet branded BP1803 LPG regulators The date range has now been widened to include items manufactured between June 2006 and September 2015.
NR16-005 Don't ignore exhaust fumes in the cabin - Aug [09/08/2016]
“If you can smell exhaust fumes in your boat, don’t ignore this sign that there could be a potential killer in the cabin!”
NR16-004 BSS asks: “Boaters, are you wise to carbon monoxide poisoning?” [24/06/2016]
BSS asks: “Boaters, are you wise to carbon monoxide poisoning?” this follows the discovery of two bodies on a private boat on the Norfolk Broads.
NR16-003 Kidde & Lifesaver Fire Blanket Recall Alert [29/02/2016]
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is supporting Kidde Safety Europe Ltd to alert any boaters to the immediate product recall on its “Kidde” or “Lifesaver” fire blankets following concerns regarding their effectiveness in the event of an oil pan fire.
NR16-001 BSS response to its consultation on changes to hire boats requirements [10/02/2016]
Following the public consultation in Autumn 2015 on proposed changes to the Boat Safety Scheme for holiday and day hire boats, the BSS has published the agreed outcomes, and actions. Most of the proposed changes had maintained stakeholder support through the consultation and so they will be implemented as set out in the consultation, with the main exception that in taking account of the weight and extent of the comments received, it has been decided to implement the revised BSS hire boat requirements from April 2017, twelve months later than proposed in the consultation.
NR15-008 Blunt warning about the dangers of using and fuelling portable generators aboard [10/11/2015]
Televisions, laptops, mobile phones, power tools, heaters or simply charging the boat’s batteries, whatever the electrical need, the stark warning from a leading boat safety body is that petrol generators will continue to cost lives and cause misery unless boaters use them correctly.
NR15-007 BSS consults on hire boat requirements Sept [04/09/2015]
A consultation on proposals to modernise the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) requirements for hire boats, opens today 4 September and will run to 13 November 2015.
NR15-006 Petrol Demands Respect Aug [13/08/2015]
The use of petrol demands huge respect and extreme caution, not least when refuelling is the succinct advice from the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS).
NR15-005 Never use LPG camping equipment aboard [29/06/2015]
Boat owners are being reminded of the risk from using portable gas camping stoves, lamps and heaters on board boats because of the danger from explosion, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
NR15-004 Use BBQs safely off boats Jun 15 [26/06/2015]
It’s time to dust off the barbeque and so the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) has a simple message, ‘We love barbecues, but never on a boat – use them ashore, enjoy them safely and avoid the twin risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
NR15-003 New LPG hose standard statement [26/06/2015]
The BSS checks have changed with immediate effect as the BSS requirements now recognise two new classes of hose following the recent publication of a new European LPG hose standard.
NR15-001 BSS Welcomes MAIB Windermere CO Report [27/01/2015]
The report into the deaths of the mother and daughter from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on a boat on Lake Windermere was published today by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). The report mentions the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) in several places including the recommendations of the Chief Inspector of the MAIB, one being that the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNP) adopts the BSS as a means of improving safety.
Triple-whammy wood fuel warning [19/01/2015]
Boaters using damp wood and logs in their stoves could be risking a triple whammy including increased costs, stove damage and carbon monoxide poisoning says the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS).
BSS alerts boaters to Calor Lite® gas cylinder recall [10/10/2014]
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is supporting Calor Gas Ltd to alert any boaters to the immediate product recall on all 6kg Calor Lite® cylinders manufactured between 2008-2011 inclusive following concerns regarding the potential deterioration of the cylinder.
You can't afford to put gas safety on the back burner in Gas Safety Week '14 [29/08/2014]
‘Let there be no repeat, boaters must respect their gas appliances’; says the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) during national Gas Safety Week 2014 in remembering last winter’s twin fatalities from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on a small commercial fishing boat in Whitby harbour.
Beko Alert for Boating Community 2014 [04/08/2014]
The BSS is supporting Beko, in its on-going campaign to find and fix dangerous older models of Beko, Flavel and Leisure gas cookers that can produce potentially fatal levels of carbon monoxide, if used incorrectly with the grill door closed.
BSS points boaters to important safety issues highlighted by recent boat tragedies [05/02/2014]
In the space of a few days, three people on two vessels have died from suspected carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and the Boat Safety Scheme is pointing boat owners to its advice to help stay safe.
Hirer Safety Review 2013 [23/08/2013]
The UK’s inland waterway navigation authorities are inviting boat hire operators and other interested parties to participate in a general review of hirer safety, and especially to attend regional open forums for hire operators across the UK.
Enjoy your barbecues this summer, safely off the boat [01/07/2013]
As the barbeque summer finally arrives, the BSS has simple request, 'If you see or hear of it happening, please advise your fellow boaters to never use a barbecue (BBQ) on board a boat - take it ashore, enjoy it safely and avoid the twin risks of fire and carbon monoxide.
Portable gas equipment safety warning [01/06/2013]
An exploding gas stove that injured two teenage campers in North Wales prompted the BSS to remind boat owners that portable gas equipment is not suitable for use in a boat, because should something go wrong in the confines of a cabin space, the results could be very serious.
BSS points boaters to important safety issues highlighted by Windermere’s Eastertragedy [24/05/2013]
On the eve of Boat Fire Safety Week, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is pointing UK boaters to the safety issues identified today in the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Safety Bulletin concerning the death of mother and her 10-year old daughter aboard the motor cruiser Arniston on Lake Windermere at Easter.
Barry Sheerman MP urges boaters to safeguard against carbon monoxide poisoning, following suspected case in Cumbria [02/04/2013]
The All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group and BSS reaction to the news of a mother and daughter dying from suspected carbon monoxide poisoining in a boat on Lake Windermere. APPCOG chairman Barry Sheerman MP urges all holiday makers to be 'carbon monoxide safe'.
Your BSS Certificate is changing [01/02/2013]
The process of sending the blue copy of the Boat Safety Scheme Certificate (BSSC) to the boats registration or licensing body ended on the 31 March 2012 with the launch of a new-look, receipt-style certificate. Behind the change is the access all participating navigation authorities have to the BSS online database to double check your boat's certificate validity.
Revised Examination Checking Procedures being implemented 1 Jan 2013 [09/12/2012]
The various small changes to the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Examination Checking Procedures for privately owned and privately managed boats was implemented on 1 January 2013. The revised BSS Checks are published on www.boatsafetyscheme.org/examination and they form the expected means of compliance with the navigation authorities' legal requirements otherwise known as the BSS General Requirements