The Broads Authority obtained powers to introduce the National Boat Safety Scheme to the Broads navigation from 1 April 2007 through the development of specific byelaws.

The revised Boat Safety Scheme standards for private craft were launched at the London Boat Show in January 2005 after months of consultation with boating, marine trade and technical groups.

These revised requirements only apply to privately owned, privately managed craft. Others vessels must comply with the original BSS requirements. This is because a separate and different review of safety standards for these vessels is underway by the Marine and Coastguard Agency. The new requirements for private craft allow a greater degree of flexibility in complying with the safety standards.

The scheme, which began on 1 April 2007 for the largest hire and private motor craft, will continue to roll out over a three year period, with the second year being applicable to all remaining hire 20 Navigating on the Broads 21 craft and medium sized private motor craft, and the final year covering all remaining private motor craft and all private sailing vessels. The scheme does not apply to open boats propelled solely by outboards and not fitted with heating, lighting, cooking, refrigerating or other domestic appliances.

Boat owners will have to pay authorised independent examiners to check the craft and issue certificates. Their fees vary, so it is worth finding an examiner you are happy to use. There are around 25 examiners who cover the Broads and most are willing to give advice about essential work, as is the BSS office.

Lists of examiners are available from the Broads Authority office or the BSS office and the BSS website: www.boatsafetyscheme.com/searchforanexaminer

If, in the course of the examination something is found not to meet the expected compliance option and yet you or your examiner have good evidence that it still meets the goal-setting requirement, there is a fast-track appeals process starting with the BSS office.

It is recommended that owners get their boats certificated as soon as possible. Once a BSS certificate is issued, craft must be maintained to the standard of the scheme throughout the life of the certificate and boat owners need to send a copy of their certificates to the Broads Authority.

Those boats that do not have a valid BSS certificate by their introductory date will not be permitted to navigate the Broads. It will also be an offence to apply for a yearly toll without previously demonstrating to the Broads Authority that a BSS certificate is in place.

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. If a boat fails any of these checks, the owner will be formally notified and advice offered.

The second edition of the Boat Safety Scheme Essential Guide takes you step by step through the BSS, identifying hazards, approaches to risk reduction techniques, the legal requirements of the navigation authorities and best practice to keep you and your crew safe.

The guide is available from the BSS website: www.boatsafetyscheme.com or by post from the Broads Authority or the Boat Safety Scheme Office. It costs £6.30 for the guide and a ring binder, plus postage and packaging.

For further clarification, please contact the Broads Authority, 18 Colegate, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1BQ at www.broads-authority.gov.uk Tel: 01603 610734
or
Boat Safety Scheme, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford WD17 4QA. Tel: 01923 201278.