Public are consulted on Boat Safety Scheme
The Boat Safety Scheme’s new draft standards for privately owned boats are out for public consultation.
Over the past 18 months stakeholder groups represented on the BSS support committees have been involved in drawing up the new proposals. The committee is now seeking a wider representation of views and the new document has been sent to nearly 200 organisations.
The public have the chance to comment before September 30th. Printed copies of the scheme are available from the BSS office, tel: 01923 201278, or are downloadable from the BSS website at www.boatsafetyscheme.com.
A short version of the document is available to help boat owners, who are interested in contributing, to decide whether they need to read the full consultation document. It includes a list of anticipated questions with answers about how the proposals may affect boat owners.
It is intended to release the new standards to the public at the London Boat Show at the end of 2004 and publish the final proposals in a new guide early in 2005. The revised BSS requirements will be implemented in April 2005.
These reappraised standards will not significantly affect the boat owner that currently holds a certificate. However craft applying for a certificate for the first time may find that some standards are relaxed from the currently existing compliance level, making attainment of a certificate easier with a possible reduction in overall costs.
The aim of the Boat Safety Scheme is to ensure boats with engines, and/or cooking, heating, lighting and refrigerating appliances are safe from explosions and fire. Once implemented, it will be necessary to have a boat safety certificate, issued by an examiner, in order to licence a boat on any waterway.
In the Broads it will be implemented in three phases. From April 1st 2005
the scheme affects private motor craft over 21 sq.m and hire craft of 30sq.m and above. The second year, from April 1st 2006 applies to private motor craft 11 to 21 sq.m and all remaining hire craft; while the third year, from April 1st 2007 affects all remaining motor craft and all sailing craft.
The 3000 boats in the first tranche who present their Boat Safety Scheme certificate to the Broads Authority by July 2005 will have the life of their certificate extended from four to five years. This one off extension will be valid only in the Broads and all future certificates will be valid for the usual four years.
22/07/2004
