Preparing your boat before its examination, and being mindful of BSS requirements, will go a long way to ensure a successful outcome. It is recommended that you review the points below as a starting point, or visit the BSS website and review the Examination Checking Procedure (ECP's) for detailed information.

Preparing your boat for the BSS examination couldn’t be simpler - here are a few tips:

• Ensure that all the boat's installations, systems and appliances are fully functional so that a complete examination can take place. For example, ensure you have charged batteries, and plenty of LPG and water to enable a water heater spill test which will require the water heater to run for several minutes

• Check that you have your last certificate and any documentation which supports the compliance of any installed equipment on the day of the examination

• Check that your fuel system conforms to the required standard. For example, fuel hoses comply to BS EN ISO 7840 or equivalent

• Check that your cabin/engine batteries are secure, that the terminals are covered/protected and the master switch is accessible and labelled

• Check that you have sufficient battery capacity, gas and water onboard - the examination process requires access to all installed appliances for testing

• Check you have the correct fire fighting equipment - fire blankets and extinguishers of the approved type and that they are in good condition

• Check that your LPG cylinders are stored in an appropriate, secure, and well ventilated place and that there are signs in place to locate the shut-off valves

• Check that access is available to all pipework, fuel hoses, flues, appliances, engine bays, and wiring installations. Make spaces easy to inspect and remove any covers or enclosures

Please note that the BSS is constantly revising and refining the Examination Checking Procedure (ECPs) to ensure that they are current and up to date. BSS Examinations are required every four years. Sometimes the ECPs are refined in this period to reflect or align to industry standards. 

The most common failure points are items such as: incorrect fuel hoses, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of appliance isolation taps, insecure or unprotected batteries.

You can get further information from the boatsafetyscheme.org website.