The Broads Authority will be introducing the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) in the Broads from April 1st 2007.
This follows the launch of the modernised requirements for private craft at the London Boat Show in January, after months of consultation with boating, marine trade and technical groups.
Hire craft, small trip boats and similar commercial craft will have to comply with the 2002 BSS standards until a review is completed.
The new BSS for private craft, which allows a greater degree of flexibility, will be introduced in three stages. Hire craft over 30sqm and private motor craft of 21sqm and above will have to comply by April 1st 2007.
All remaining hire craft and private motor craft of 11sqm and above must comply by April 1st 2008 and all remaining private motor craft and private sailing craft will have to have certificates by April 1st 2009.
Boats with engines and/or cooking, heating, lighting, refrigerating and other domestic appliances 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, although the skipper must still comply with the requirements for the safe use and storage of the fuel and the safe condition of the fuel system.
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.
The Broads Authority is promoting a set of byelaws to give it the powers to enforce the BSS. In the meantime it is encouraging boat owners to get their boats examined as soon as possible to avoid a last minute rush.
Jonathan Richardson, Waterways Safety Officer, said:
"There are a limited number of boatyards who can undertake the necessary work, so we are urging people to act early to avoid a backlog. There are around 25 examiners who cover the Broads and most are willing to give advice about essential work. Examiners' fees vary, so it may be worth getting several quotes."
Lists of examiners are available from the Broads Authority's office on 01603 610734, the BSS office on 01923 201278 and the BSS website, www.boatsafetyscheme.com/searchforanexaminer. The BSS office can help with advice and information on bss.enquiries@boatsafetyscheme.com or call the above number.
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. Owners of boats that fail these checks will be given advice.
The second edition of the Boat Safety Scheme Essential Guide, described as
"a valuable handbook for any boater who takes safety seriously",
has been launched. The guide takes you step by step through the Boat Safety Scheme, identifying hazards, approaches to risk reduction techniques, the legal requirements of the navigation authorities and the best practice standards to keep you and your crew safe when aboard or close to your boat.
There is also information about routine safety checks you can carry out yourself, booking and preparing for an examination and the national and international standards for marine installations and appliances.
Hard copies designed to fit in the folder of the first edition will be available from the Broads Authority office in 18, Colegate, Norwich. They are also available by post from the BSS office at a cost of £5.50 plus post and packaging and can be downloaded from the BSS website: www.boatsafetyscheme.com for free.
Reproduced by kind permission of
Broads Authority.
