Boat safety byelaws have been confirmed by the Department of Transport in time for the Broads Authority to introduce the National Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) from April 1st .
For over ten years the Broads Authority has been seeking the necessary powers to introduce this national scheme, which has been in operation on the canals for a long time.
Since 2005 the Authority has been encouraging boat owners to have a boat safety examination and undertake the necessary work to make their boats safe but it is only now that it can require boats to comply with the requirements of the BSS.
The introduction of the scheme is part of a wider programme by the Authority to improve safety for those who boat on the Broads. Compulsory third party insurance and licensing for hire boats will follow when the Bill, currently before Parliament, comes into force.
The BSS is a four yearly "MOT type" test for boats with engines, cooking, heating, lighting, refrigerating and other domestic appliances. They now need a to comply with the scheme in order to navigate the Broads. The test, by specialist examiners, aims to reduce the risk of fire, explosions and pollution. If a boat fails an examination advice is offered and work may need to be undertaken at a boatyard, before a compliance certificate is issued.
The scheme does not apply to open boats propelled solely by outboard motors and not fitted with any other appliances or systems, 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.
Around 25 examiners cover the Broads but their fees vary so boat owners are advised to shop around for quotes.
Mike Evans, Chairman of the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association said in response to the news:
"We (NSBA) encourage all boat owners to comply with the Broads Authority's requirements for Boat Safety Scheme certification as we believe they are in the best interests of everyone's safety".
The Boat Safety Scheme is being introduced in three phases. From April 1st this year the Broads largest motor craft (hire craft over 30 sq metres and private motor craft of 21 sq metres and above, also private sailing craft of 21 sq meters and above with engines over 10hp) will need to be covered by BSS certificates.
Many boats already comply with the requirements and have BSS certificates and the owners are asked to send copies to the Broads Authority so their records can be kept up to date.
From April 1st 2008 the scheme will apply to all remaining hire craft and private motor craft of 11 sq metres and above and from April 1st 2009 to all remaining private motor craft and all private sailing craft.
To help ease the transition for boat owners Rob McLean, of the BSS will be at the Broads Authority offices at 18 Colegate, Norwich on March 26th and April 30th to give free advice and guidance on the BSS requirements and examinations.
The Boat Safety Scheme Essential Guide for the private owner and a similar guide for hire craft, which need to comply with more stringent requirements, are available from the BSS website: www.boatsafetyscheme.com or by post from the Broads Authority or the BSS office for £6.30 plus post and packaging. Lists of examiners can be obtained from the Broads Authority on 01603 610734, the BSS office on 01923 201278 and the BSS website www.boatsafetyscheme.com/search for an examiner.
Broads Authority navigation rangers and Broadsbeat police officers are undergoing training so they can carry out safety checks on boats. They will be carried out randomly on boats on short visits to the Broads which don't carry a Boat Safety Certificate and any other vessel on the navigation where there is reason to believe that the systems on the vessel could be a danger to others.
Reproduced by kind permission of
Broads Authority.
