Following the most recent announcement from the Prime Minister regarding the UK’s response to the coronavirus crisis, the joint owners of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) are allowing a temporary extension to safety certificates for those craft requiring an examination in the period until the 14th April. Any future change will be reviewed in respect of the Governments most up to date advice and we will advise you accordingly. In the meantime, Navigation Authorities and licensing bodies will maintain a record of extensions.
NR20 001 COVID 19 BSS Temporary Suspension FINAL
It is vital and navigation authorities will expect that owners of boats with extended BSS Certificates will require a BSS examination to be carried out once restrictions are lifted.
Staying safe is a priority; boat owners continue to have the responsibility to maintain their boats in accordance with the BSS Requirements. Boat owners may want to check that their boat continues to be compliant and run through the requirements using the BSS Examination Checking Procedures found at www.boatsafetyscheme.org/boat-examination-and-certification/
If you or anyone on the boat notices a problem, for example if you smell gas, petrol or notice the electrics are producing burning smells; please turn the supply off and have the problem checked out by a professional before using the system again. If boatyards or regular breakdown service are shut, owners should use the web to track down a competent boat technician e.g. Gas Safe registered engineer, etc.
Owners are advised to check any implications for their boat’s insurance cover with the broker or underwriter linked to the temporary waiver of BSS Certification.