The Boat Safety Scheme

The BSS was established in 1997 jointly by the Environment Agency and British Waterways to promote safety on the inland waterways in respect of boats, their installations and components. It is now obligatory to meet the BSS safety standards in order to obtain a navigation licence on waterways operated by EA or BW. This covers the majority of Britain's waterways including the Broads.

To prove compliance your boat will need to be inspected by an approved BSS Inspector. YDSA surveyors authorised to carry out BSS Inspections are listed in the Directory of Members. They are aware of the scope of the BSS requirements, including which Check List items are essential safety or environmental requirements and which are best safety practice recommendations.

More information on the Boat Safety Scheme can be found on www.boatsafetyscheme.com.