Free advice for Boat Safety Scheme
The National Boat Safety Scheme comes into force in the Broads from 1 April and the Broads Authority is keen to help boat owners feel fully prepared.
Rob Mclean of the National Boat Safety Scheme Office will be at the Broads Authority office at 18 Colegate, Norwich, on the 27 February, 26 March and 30 April* to answer boat owners' questions. He can offer detailed advice and guidance regarding the BSS requirements, examinations and other BSS matters to help boat owners prepare for the scheme. When at Colegate he can be contacted on 01603 610734.
Rob Mclean said: “My number one message is that no one should panic. I’m really hoping that people will take advantage of getting first hand information from the BSS Essential Guide or by getting in touch with the BSS directly if they have any concerns, worries or niggles about the requirements or arranging an examination. Good preparation is everything, so I’m really happy to come to Norwich if it helps boaters with their plans to prepare for an examination.”
The BSS is like an MOT test for boats. Its requirements set out minimum acceptance criteria for boats’ systems, which aim to reduce the risk of fire, explosions and pollution to all boats with engines and/or cooking, heating, lighting, refrigerating and other domestic appliances.
From 1 April this year owners of the Broads’ largest motor craft (hire craft over 30 sq m and private motor craft including motorised sailing craft with engines over 10 hp of 21 sq m and above) will need to be covered by BSS certificates before they can navigate the Broads.
If boats of this size enter the Broads navigation area without valid BSS certificates then the owners will be open to prosecution under new byelaws.
The next stage of the scheme from 1 April 2008 will apply to all remaining hire craft and private motor craft of 11 sq m and above and from 1 April 2009 to all remaining private motor craft and all private sailing craft.
Many boats already have BSS certificates and the owners are asked to send copies to the Broads Authority so their records can be kept up to date. To obtain a certificate boat owners will have to pay authorised independent examiners to check their craft.
The Boat Safety Scheme Essential Guide, which applies to private craft, takes boaters step by step through the BSS. It can be viewed on the BSS website www.boatsafetyscheme.com or a hard copy can be bought from the Broads Authority priced £5.50 for inserts or £6.30 with folders plus post and packaging. A similar guide is available for hire craft, which need to comply with more stringent requirements.
Owners can call the BSS Office on 01923 201278, email questions with any supporting pictures or documentation to bss.enquiries@boatsafetyscheme.com; or write to Broads Query, Boat Safety Scheme Office, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford WD17 4QA. Lists of examiners can be obtained from the Broads Authority on 01603 610734, the BSS office and the BSS website.
*Rob McLean’s visits may be subject to change so telephone 01603 610734 to confirm availability.
29/01/2007
