Which Examination Checking Procedures apply to your boat? (the BSS cannot answer this question)
Please ask your navigation or harbour authority which Certification i.e. which set of BSS Requirements, it is asking for your boat to comply with; Private Boat, Private Boat Requirements or Hire Boat Requirements (2017)?
Neither BSS Examiners nor the BSS Office can stipulate which boat has what Examination type. This is a matter for the navigation authority only, and it will state which BSS Examination type it needs to support an application for registration/licence/mooring based on the boat's use.
We advise you not to book a BSS examination without reading our pages on ‘Arranging A BSS Examination’ which have important information for making arrangements and preparations in advance of the BSS Examination to help ensure it is a smooth and successful process.
Update for Non-Private Boats 1 April 2019 - Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Requirements - section 6.4 of the Examination Checking Procedures
At least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is 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.
The requirements apply to boats with permanent accommodation, which is defined in this way:
“Space surrounded by permanent boat structure in which there is provision for any of the following activities: sleeping, cooking, eating, washing/toilet, navigation, steering. Spaces intended exclusively for storage, open cockpits with or without canvas enclosures and engine rooms are not included.”
There are four new BSS Check items in the BSS examination:
Check 6.4.1 covers the provision of alarms in suitable numbers – this check ensures everyone on board can hear the alarm if it activates.
Check C6.4.2R for Non-Private Boats, requires CO alarms in the same spaces as solid fuel stoves – this is because stoves can present a specific risk if flue gases enter the cabin.
Check 6.4.3 requires CO alarms to be placed in open view, be of a certified quality and have a test function button – this check provides an assurance about the quality of alarm manufacture and performance.
Check 6.4.4 requires CO alarms to be in good and working condition, showing no signs of damage, being within any visible expiry dates and passing the function test using the test button – this check ensures the alarm will work effectively if called upon.
There is a handout available as an essential guide to all the new requirements and background information. It covers what is required and how the checks will be carried out by BSS Examiners and how the alarms will help keep crew members safe. Click on this link to download it. 