Boat Safety Standards
The Boat Safety Standards (BSS) are a set of essential safety requirements and include safety criteria for boat systems such as electrical installations, inboard/outboard engines, appliances, ventilation and fuels. They are based on the national Boat Safety Scheme.
They are designed to help minimise the risk of pollution, fire and explosion.
Hire craft will have to comply with the original 1st Edition (2002) BSS. All private craft will have to comply with the revised 2nd Edition (2005) requirements, which allow a greater degree of flexibility. A separate and different review of safety standards for other craft is underway by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Details of the relevant standards can be obtained from the Broads Authority office on 01603 610734 or the BSS office on 01923 201278 or the BSS website www.boatsafetyscheme.com. Copies of the Broads Authority Boat Safety Standards Byelaws 2006 can be obtained from the Broads Authority office on 01603 610734 and from the website using the following link Boat Safety Standards Byelaws 2006.
To assist you we have provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions. (word document) [284kb]
The new BSS will be introduced in stages to the Broads Authority area.
Introductory date Type and size of craft (block area)
1 April 2007 Hire craft over 30 sqm
Private motor craft of 21 sqm and above, and motorised sailing craft of 21 sqm and above with engines of 10 hp and above
1 April 2008 All remaining hire craft
Private motor craft of 11 sqm and above, and motorised sailing craft of 11 sqm and above with engines of 10 hp and above
1 April 2009 Remaining private motor craft
All private sailing craft
The BSS applies to all boats with engines and/or cooking, heating, lighting, refrigerating and other domestic appliances, which will need to pass an examination before they can be permitted to navigate the Broads. The scheme will not apply to open boats propelled solely by outboard motors and not fitted with any of the above appliances.
Boat owners will have to pay authorised independent examiners to check their craft and issue certificates. Craft must be maintained to the standard of the BSS throughout the life of the certificate. Examiners' fees vary, so it may be worth getting several quotes. There are around 25 examiners who cover the Broads and most are willing to give advice about essential work, as is the BSS office. Lists of examiners are available from the Broads Authority office on 01603 610734 or the BSS office on 01923 201278. The BSS website, www.boatsafetyscheme.com also has lists of examiners. The BSS office can also advise on the appeals process.
We recommend that owners get their boats examined as soon as possible. Those boats that do not have a valid BSS certificate by the appropriate introductory date will not be permitted to navigate the Broads. Please try to avoid getting caught out in a last minute rush. The majority of Broads boatyards are familiar with the Boat Safety Scheme and are able to undertake the necessary work.
BSS examinations will continue to include other safety checks, such as fire escape provision, flues for toxic fume spillage and power connections for potential for electrocution, etc. For a boat that fails any of these checks, the owner will be formally notified and advice will be offered.
Please ensure that the blue copy of your Boat Safety Scheme certificate is sent to the Broads Authority prior to your annual toll being due or alternatively enclose the blue copy with your application for your annual toll.
For further clarification please contact the Broads Authority on 01603 610734 or email
bssenquiries@broads-authority.gov.uk
For technical queries please contact the BSS office on 01923 201278 or www.boatsafetyscheme.com
