Below highlights the most common mandatory safety standard failures that boat owners should be aware of.
By understanding these 10 common issues, you can better maintain your vessel, help keep within the rules and keep everyone safe. While it’s important to care for every aspect of your boat, knowing these frequent problem areas can help.
| Section | Check | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Battery Security |
Are batteries secure against excessive movement in any direction? For more information see check 3.1.2R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Ensure your batteries are secured with proper restraints like straps, brackets, or frames to prevent any movement greater than 10mm in all directions. Always remember to put them securely back in place when you replace batteries |
| 2 Testing for LPG system tightness |
Is the LPG system free of leaks as defined in the tightness test? For more information see check 7.12.2R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Never ignore the smell of gas! If you have a bubble leak detector fitted, use it routinely to check for leaks. Also watch out if you think you are using more gas than normal. If in doubt, get a competent (LPG for boats) Gas Safe registered engineer to check. (www.gassaferegister.co.uk). |
| 3 Portable fire extinguishers |
Are the correct number of suitable portable fire extinguishers provided, and do they have the correct combined fire ratings? For more information see check 6.1.1R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Ensure that your fire extinguishers are suitable for the type of fire risks on your boat. The information is available of the BSS website. |
| 4 Carbon monoxide alarms |
If the vessel has one or more accommodation space(s), are the correct number of carbon monoxide alarms provided? For more information see check 6.4.1R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Regularly test your CO alarm. Make sure all alarms are certified to the BS EN 50291, and replace batteries or alarms as needed. |
| 5 LPG pipework, joints and connections |
Are all LPG pipe joints secure, in good condition and competently made? For more information see check 7.8.4R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Regularly inspect LPG hoses and connections, where they exist and be alert to the smell of gas. Use your bubble tester if you have one. |
| 6 Fuel shut-offs |
Are all fuel shut-off valves, or their means of operation, in open view or their location clearly marked? For more information see check 2.13.3R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Mark the location of fuel shut-off valves and ensure they are accessible in emergencies. |
| 7 Battery isolators |
Is the location of all battery isolators, or the means to operate them, in open view, or their location clearly marked? For more information see check 3.6.5R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Ensure the location of all battery isolators is marked by a permanent label |
| 8 LPG appliance burner operation |
Are all LPG appliance burners delivering a proper flame? For more information see check 8.8.1R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Ensure burners deliver a blue flame and investigate any yellow or flickering flames. |
| 9 LPG system main shut-off valves |
Is the LPG system main shut-off valve, or its means of operation, in open view, or is the location of the valve or its means of operation clearly marked? For more information see check 7.6.2R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Ensure the LPG system’s shut-off valve is visible or clearly marked with a permanent label. |
| 10 Cable location |
Are all electrical cables supported in a safe position? For more information see check 3.3.1R of the BSS Examination Checking Procedures. |
Do not allow boat wiring to cause a trip or snag hazard. |
10 most common BSS examination failure occurrences
