Last Boat Safety Scheme surgery of the season

Added: 11/10/2007
Category: Broads Authority

The final free riverside surgery of the season is being held by the Broads Authority on Saturday October 27th at Ranworth Staithe to give boat owners advice about the Boat Safety Scheme.

The national Boat Safety Scheme team, local examiners and Broads Authority staff will demonstrate how to prepare a boat for an examination and how boats are checked for hazards. Items from the BSS black museum will be on show to illustrate potential pitfalls and copies of the BSS Essential Guide will be on sale at the discounted price of £6. Owners can book an examination here.

There will be opportunities to ask

> What is covered by the examination
> A specific requirement relating to your craft
> General safety advice
> The enforcement of the Broads Authority (Boat Safety Standards) Byelaws 2006

Boat owners can turn up without their boats and those who bring their craft should book them in on the day at the tourist Information centre.

The Boat Safety Scheme came into force on the Broads on 1 April this year for the largest boats. Next year, from 1 April, the BSS will apply to all hire craft and private motor craft of 11sq m and above. In 2009 remaining private motor craft and all private sailing craft will need to comply.

Charlie Middleton, the Broads Authority’s Waterways Officer, said: “Owners of vessels in the second phase are recommended not to delay making preparation as boatyards and examiners could be overstretched this coming winter if everyone leaves it to the last minute. It’s best to take advantage of this surgery and get the BSS examination done well before next year’s registration."

The surgery will be held from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Ranworth Broads Information Centre at Malthouse Broad.