Message 11 of 11
Posted by member Mr Ashley Brown on Thursday 13 January 2022

I recently purchased a Pilot 20SE and had some work done before safety certificate examination - diesel heater, shore power and electrical sockets. BSS examination was concentrated on LPG pipe work, fuel lines, that electrical system had an RCD fitted and then carbon monoxide alarms / fire extinguishers. Battery boxes and covers were a particular focus (I had replaced these) and having them strapped down. I only had one extinguisher and so had to buy another - one above and one below.

As stated previously get a quote in advance as fees are not standard! Good luck

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Message 9 of 11
Posted by member Terry Asquith on Wednesday 6 October 2021

Thanks Richard and Rob for the all that information. I hope to be able to start the process soon.
Terry

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Message 7 of 11
Posted by member Richard Harrison on Friday 1 October 2021

Terry, I’ve just looked up my BSS certificate, which was done here in Bristol. It specifies that the examiner inspected only “the category of checks relevant to the class of vessel” (namely a private vessel) and that these checks related to “petrol fuel and/or system”; “electrical dc power”; “ installed LPG system”; and that the LPG test method was a manometer. It also confirms that the BSS Examination “is a way of verifying that boats meet …. minimum safety standards as regards fire, explosions, pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning”. You can see that it isn’t concerned with any more arcane or technical features than these so shouldn’t be at all daunting if your boat’s systems are in reasonable condition.

If you Google “Boat Safety Scheme inspectors” you’ll find that you can search for inspectors by area, and that there are quite a few for Gloucestershire, and several for Cardiff, together with contact details, so you could call a couple to discuss possible arrangements. Should be quite straightforward but let me know if you have any more questions.
Richard

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Message 5 of 11
Posted by member Richard Harrison on Wednesday 29 September 2021

Terry,
We recently had to get a BSS certificate for our 1986 Pilot 20 which is pretty much still as per original spec. The inspection was thorough but not particularly demanding. The scheme is mostly concerned with risks from fire and fumes, hence labelling, storage and pipe work for fuel and gas were checked and deemed to be satisfactory. We don’t have shore power but I guess that electrical safety would have been included if we had. The only additional requirements were fitting a new, larger fire extinguisher and a carbon monoxide alarm.The inspector came some distance so had travel expenses but I think the cost was only about £150.
It really isn’t a big deal, so don’t let it stop you enjoying your boat.
Richard

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Message 3 of 11
Posted by member Richard Neale on Wednesday 18 April 2018

Thanks Kenny, will follow that link.
Richard

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Message 1 of 11
Posted by member Richard Neale on Tuesday 17 April 2018

I've recently bought a Pilot 20SE which is berthed at Milford Haven and used in the Haven and on inshore waters. If I wished to do some inland rivers and canals will I need a safety test and certificate? If so are there likely to be any issues I shall have to address?
Richard Neale
Pipe Dream

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