You should believe the BA.

Phil

Thanks for your comments and yes, I agree the safety certificate is not such a bad thing and am quite happily preparing my boats for it.

I was just hoping to clear the shadow of doubt and end the constant debates in the marina about whether it will be this year, next year, sometime ....

I see you too picked up on the phrase 'currently on course' used by the BA, which frustrated me as it is not a positive answer and simply fuels the debate and suggests that maybe the byelaws cannot be enforced yet.

Alan

The simplest solution would surely be to not publish dated proposals to enforce, or indeed try to enforce any laws and regulations, until the powers to do so have actually been granted!

I emailed my initial enquiry about the BSS requirement to BA on 9 February and just 36 minutes later received the reply stating that the bye-laws were 'currently on course' and that I would therefore require a valid BSS certificate by the 1 April 2007.

I emailed back on the 17 February asking for clarification of the phrase 'currently on course' and asked for confirmation that the bye-laws had already, or would receive the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport and be enforceable by 1 April 2007. Six days later and I am still waiting for a reply.

Alan

In case anyone wasn't aware, there's a BA press release kicking around which declares that the Department for Transport has rubber stamped the BSS byelaws.

GF

If BSS can be passed into law by the means of a byelaw, why are BA wasting hundreds of thousands of pounds on the Broads Bill.

Couple of bylaws should have done the trick

Job done

Posted on the lite side:-

Broads Authority Press Release - Government confirms Boat Safety byelaws

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.

and (from whom?):-

Also from the BA news release with reference to RoyA’s point.
‘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.’
My colleague is delivering that training next week. I did the introductory session a few days ago. The aim is to ensure that the people involved will be able to recognise a boat presenting an immediate hazard that could endanger other people and property nearby.
Briefly, amongst other matters it will be covering petrol leaks, gas leaks, the use of ‘gas sniffers’, etc. The checks should only take a few minutes. The aim will not be to deliver a full BSS examination.
The protocols that cover which boats are chosen and what actions are taken if a ‘hazardous’ craft is found are the Authority’s responsibilities and not the BSS’. However, the concept will be to make the immediate situation safe, for example, by asking the owner to disconnect the gas and by placing a quarantine area around the boat and well ventilating the craft.
This is just the overview, but I hope it gives a general idea.
Further advice
I, or a colleague, will also be at the Norfolk Boat Jumble on April 1st. If you are going, do come and say hello or bring any concerns you may have. If you have a specific question, a photo might help.
Kind regards
Rob@BSS Office

Go boating - Stay safe


Am I alone in finding the second part, by "Rob", somewhat threatening and officious? It boils down to "if we don't like the look of you, we'll make life difficult for you". Those who fought the more draconian Directions in the Bill seem to have been right.