The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) has announced that boat safety examinations can now resume for most boat owners, but they will happen in a ‘new normal’ framework based on the latest Government guidance. Wales and Scotland are still in lockdown so unless you live aboard you may not be able to make all the necessary preparations for a Boat Safety examination and so may have to postpone it further.
The Boat safety Scheme said that following the UK Government request that those who cannot work from home should restart work where possible, the BSS has lifted the suspension on examinations with a cautious framework designed to prevent transmission of the virus by the use of distancing between the boat owner and examiner.
To help guide a boat owner through what are the ‘new normal’ preparations for BSS examinations, the BSS has created a dedicated webpage. See www.boatsafetyscheme.org/COVID.
The BSS will not be able to carry out examinations safely if you are are self-isolating or shielding on your boat. Therefore the BSS advises that people in this position should discuss this with the relevant navigation authority if the Boat Safety certificate is due soon and your licence, registration or insurance depends on having a Boat Safety certificate.
The BSS will issue further updates if there any changes in government guidance affecting BSS Examinations, including any information from devolved regions.