Boat Safety Scheme Examination - Thames
Discussion
I will shortly be getting a new boat, well new to me anyway. It's an 18ft bowrider with a Mercruiser 3.0 inboard.
I need to get it through the Boat Safety Scheme Examination for use on the Thames but I don't really know what's required and I can't find a simplistic explanation/check list anywhere. For example do I need a fitted fire extinguisher system or will handhelds suffice, if so what size etc.
Can anyone point me in the right direction please?
I need to get it through the Boat Safety Scheme Examination for use on the Thames but I don't really know what's required and I can't find a simplistic explanation/check list anywhere. For example do I need a fitted fire extinguisher system or will handhelds suffice, if so what size etc.
Can anyone point me in the right direction please?
There is a full checklist here https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/requirements-exam... that should provide you with all you need.
Badda said:
Sorry hadn't found that one, now that is useful. I'll have a read.Seems like you've got the links you need. Presume it hasn't been on inland waterways before, or it would have been through the hoops already.
The BSS is essentially diesel/petrol, gas, batteries and ventilation/CO - things that could catch fire, explode or otherwise kill you. There's also a bit about pollution, eg the risk of pumping oil or fuel into the river from the bilges. It's not a structural survey. You'll need to stick little red labels everywhere so people know where various things like batteries and fuel switches are in an emergency. Expect them to very fussy about petrol and petrol lines because they can and do blow up.
You'll need a valid BSS certificate to get a river licence, as you've probably discovered. On the plus side, it lasts for four years.
It might be easier to get a BSS tester to test the boat as it currently, so that any problems are correctly identified and he can guide you on how to fix them. Then hopefully he can come back and rubber-stamp it. Otherwise you might get bogged down in small print and waste time/money needlessly.
Enjoy the Thames!
The BSS is essentially diesel/petrol, gas, batteries and ventilation/CO - things that could catch fire, explode or otherwise kill you. There's also a bit about pollution, eg the risk of pumping oil or fuel into the river from the bilges. It's not a structural survey. You'll need to stick little red labels everywhere so people know where various things like batteries and fuel switches are in an emergency. Expect them to very fussy about petrol and petrol lines because they can and do blow up.
You'll need a valid BSS certificate to get a river licence, as you've probably discovered. On the plus side, it lasts for four years.
It might be easier to get a BSS tester to test the boat as it currently, so that any problems are correctly identified and he can guide you on how to fix them. Then hopefully he can come back and rubber-stamp it. Otherwise you might get bogged down in small print and waste time/money needlessly.
Enjoy the Thames!
Edited by Simpo Two on Monday 13th March 18:48
RobbyJ said:
Many thanks Simpo, that's really useful.
I've been boating on the Thames in small boats and pre-BSS in bigger boats. I've rescued people from the water twice after boats have exploded and it's no joke. I want to do it right and keep my family safe.
I'm envious. I hired a cruiser from Benson last year with some friends and there are so many lovely boats and houses to admire. The only problem - it was Heatwave Week! We stuck tinfoil on the windows to try to keep the heat out... I've been boating on the Thames in small boats and pre-BSS in bigger boats. I've rescued people from the water twice after boats have exploded and it's no joke. I want to do it right and keep my family safe.
Oh and we ended up between Maidenhead and Bray trying to find an affordable pub for supper... that didn't end well
Oh ouch, not a great week to be in a floating plastic fantastic from a heat perspective! It sure is nice around there.
I meant to say I've been boating on the Thames since I was 13 and lived next to the river Loddon, sadly now it's a drive to the marina not a walk to the end of the garden.
I meant to say I've been boating on the Thames since I was 13 and lived next to the river Loddon, sadly now it's a drive to the marina not a walk to the end of the garden.
Boat fire at Denver: https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2023-03-15/several...
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