Boat Safety Scheme Examination FAQs
Why do I need a Boat Safety Scheme Certificate?
As well as ensuring your boat meets the minimum safety requirements, a Boat Safety Scheme certificate is a pre-requisite to getting a licence from your navigation authority. A Boat Safety Scheme certificate is usually required by most insurance companies.
When can I book my Examination?
Boat Safety Examinations can take place up to 2 months before the expiry of an existing Boat Safety Scheme certificate.
The expiry date of a new certificate will be four years from the date of expiry of your last certificate, not the date of examination if this is earlier.
Costs
The cost of a Boat Safety Examination is £350 (as of September 2026). I charge for travel outside of Greater London. Please ask for a quote!
How long does the Examination take?
Usually, a Boat Safety Examination will take up to 2 hours to complete, depending on the boat and the complexity of the systems onboard. But often it will be quicker than this!
What happens if my boat fails the Examination?
If your boat fails the Boat Safety Examination you have three months to put right any non-compliances. Some non-compliances might be able to be corrected during the Boat Safety Examination. Following the Examination you will be sent an Examination Report detailing any non compliances.
I'm a live aboard. Does this affect the Examination?
As a Gas Safe registered engineer, I am able to carry out LPG gas tightness testing on liveaboard boats using a manometer test point
For liveaboard vessels and boats used solely or primarily for domestic purposes, the gas installation must be tested by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, unless there is a bubble leak detector present on the boat.
If you are unsure whether your LPG installation is suitable for testing, or have concerns about the condition or compliance of your system, please get in touch and I can advise you.