- HBR 2017 Course Overview
- HBR 2017 Course Programme
- HBR 2017 Course Q&A
- HBR 2017 Training Course Pre-learning
1) Why do examiners need to be trained and assessed on the new BSS hire boat checks?
The training is necessary because of the need to ensure examiners can apply the new and amended BSS Hire Boat Requirements in a consistent manner.
2) Do all examiners need to undergo the training and assessment?
No, only those BSS Examiners who wish to examine hire boats after 1 April 2017.
3) Does the training allow me to examine work boats or other commercial classes of boat such as hotel boats or ‘roving traders’?
No, the other classes of non-private boats such as tenanted boats, hotel boats, workboats, roving traders, small passenger vessels (carrying less than 12 passengers) will continue to be assessed using the 2002 BSS Standards. The BSS Hire Boat Requirements training will not qualify examiners to examine these classes. Only those examiners who have undertaken training and assessment to the 2002 requirements will be qualified to examine these classes of boat.
4) Will the course qualify me to undertake LPG tightness testing on hire boats?
No, the course will not qualify non-Gas Safe Registered BSS Examiners to undertake LPG tightness testing on hire boats using a manometer. See this link for more information.
5) I went on a course to apply the 2002 BSS Standards, do I need to attend the hire boat requirements course and do the Pre-learning?
Yes, the requirements have changed and you need to know how to apply the new checks and the BSS needs to be assured that examiners examining hire boats have been trained and assessed to the new checks.
6) Are all BSS Examiners eligible to attend the training?
The training is open to all examiners except those newly qualified who are yet to participate in a BSS Field Assessment.
7) What does the training and assessment involve?
Pre-learning - ASet aside around about three hours to read through the pre-learning reading material and complete the assessment online.
Pre-learning will a) cover why BSS hire boat requirements are different to BSS private boat requirements b) cover how the private boat requirements are to be applied to hire boats and c) provide the opportunity for examiners to become familiar with the Examination Checking Procedures for each of the new/amended hire boat requirements.
Pre-learning assessment involves answering some multiple choice questions and inserting free text into text boxes online. Completing the pre-learning assessment is important as the responses will be analysed and used to enhance the training delivery at the attended training day. The link to the Pre-learning and assessment will be provided from early February.
Attended training – the full day of training will focus on the application of the 16 new/amended BSS hire boat requirements. The training day is participative and the trainers will use a range of methods including PowerPoint presentation, discussions, practical demonstrations, including on hire boats.
Post-learning Assessment – After you have attended the training day you will need to pass an assessment by answering correctly, a series of multiple choice questions and inserting free text into text boxes online.
8) Who is providing the training and assessments?
The training is being delivered by the BSS Office and its consultants, namely - David Fuller, (Marine Consultancy Ltd), Graham Freeman, (Tayman – Services Ltd) and Graham Watts, BSS Manager.
9) Where are the venues and how do I book?
The venues, details and dates are here; or go straight to Booking List
10) How many examiners can go on any one course?
A maximum of 15 examiners can attend a course.
11) What time do I turn up to the training day?
Arrive no later than 09:15 to ensure a prompt start at 09:30. The course will be finished by 4:30.
12) What do I need to bring on the day?
Bring the Pre-learning material, and your copy of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures (ECPs). Maybe also bring a notepad and pen if you want to.
Come dressed to suit the weather conditions, as in the morning and afternoon sessions you will be leaving the training room to attend a hire boat as part of the training. Footwear should be suitable for walking around boats.
13) What is the purpose of Post-learning Assessments?
Post-learning Assessment provides us with validation that the training has been successfully received.
14) What if an examiner doesn't pass the assessment by registration time in 2017?
Passing the assessment before the end of March 2017 is a condition of BSS Examiner being authorised to conduct BSS hire boat checks from April 2017. It is recognised however, that there may be circumstances that mean a small number of examiners were unable to achieve this. The circumstances will be viewed on an individual basis, but in essence those few examiners concerned will have to be booked on to one of the additional wash-up courses in April 2017 to allow authorisation to conduct BSS hire boat checks.
15) Will I need to go on a refresher course in the future?
There are no plans for refresher courses for examiners concerning apply BSS hire boat requirements. Examiners will be subject to monitoring visits that could possibly identify a need for re-training.
16) Is there something not covered by any of the information published on this website?
Send an email to the BSS Office - BSS.Office@boatsafetyscheme.org