Water and boat safety

Boat Safety Scheme Certificate

Most powered boats on Environment Agency waterways must pass a Boat Safety Scheme examination and declare evidence of a valid Boat Safety Scheme certificate when registering.

To download the complete guide to the Boat Safety Scheme requirements, including preparing for the examination and booking an examiner, go to the Boat Safety Scheme website:    

• Boat Safety Scheme

Changes to Boat Safety Scheme certificates from April 2013

From April 2013, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Certificate examination recording process moves into a central database system and the format of the printed BSS certificate changes.

The introduction of a new-look, receipt-style certificate will end the requirement to send the blue copy of the BSS Certificate.

There has been no change to the examination process, just the follow-up documents.

If your boat passes an examination, you will be given a copy of a new, receipt-style BSS Certificate, also called a BSS Examination Report, to keep for your own records.

The new system means we can verify whether your boat has passed a BSS Examination and if that pass is still valid.

Existing BSS Certificates will continue to be valid until reaching the expiry date.

For boats up to four years old, a valid Declaration of Conformity made by the boat’s builder under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) will continue to be accepted. For annual registrations, you will need to send us a copy with your application to register your boat.

There are more details on the BSS website and information will be given to owners of every boat that passes an examination:

• Boat Safety Scheme - boat examination

Boat safety notices

• Wise up to carbon monoxide poisoning (PDF, 103KB)
• Make a fire emergency plan (PDF, 194KB)
• Fit a smoke alarm: Boater removes battery from his smoke alarm and has a close brush with death (PDF, 270KB)
• Choose safe stove installation (PDF, 75KB)
• Warning about explosion risk from portable gas appliances (PDF, 87KB)
• Warning about fire risk from domed decklights ('bullseyes') (PDF, 109KB)
• Manufacturers' safety alert about gas cookers (PDF, 46KB)
• Carbon monoxide alarms recall (PDF, 46KB)

Boater's Handbook

The Boater's Handbook contains a complete range of safety messages, warning symbols and other useful information for new and experienced boaters. Download your free copy:

• Boater's Handbook (PDF, 700KB)

If you would us to post you a copy please contact us by email at enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk or by phone on 03708 506 506.