A public consultation by the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) on proposals to a clarified and improved set of BSS examination checking procedures has opened. The consultation will run until 31 May 2022.
The revisions to the procedures apply to the examination of privately owned and managed boats in private use, as well boats subject to the 2017 Hire Boat Requirements.
The main focus of this consultation is the introduction of two mandatory BSS requirements:
– on boats with petrol propulsion engines, requiring evidence of recent servicing for any Wilderness Boats conversion of an Electrolux RM 212 refrigerator, BSS check 8.2.2R;
– clarification that ferrous/cast iron fittings, joints and components used in LPG pipework are not compliant with BSS check 7.8.3R.
It is also proposed to introduce 20 relaxations by reducing some requirements or allowing additional compliance options.
The organisers say that the improvements are both a necessary and proportionate means of risk control that will have a very positive impact on the level of consistency of the application of BSS checks. It is hoped they will significantly improve the uptake of knowledge and understanding of trainees going through the new examiner entry training programme.
Comments on the amendments are welcome from boat owners, the marine trade, and all BSS stakeholders. The BSS will publish a summary of the views expressed and its response in the summer, when it’s also intended to announce the final agreed changes.
