By 1 April 2009 all boats on the Broads should have Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificates.

The last tranche of boats in the three year scheme - all private sailing craft and private motor boats under 11m² - should now be checking out their craft to ensure they comply.

The Boat Safety Scheme is an MOT style examination for boats which have engines, cooking, heating, lighting and refrigerating facilities.

A BSS surgery is being held at Ranworth Tourist Information Centre on Sunday 12 October 10am - 4pm to help owners of boats needing to comply with the Broads Authority's Boat Safety standards. BSS examiners and staff from the BSS office and Broads Authority will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice. Owners are encouraged to bring their boats along.

If you still need to get a certificate you will need to act now as this winter may be too late when there is less capacity in the local boatyards. About 25 examiners cover the Broads but their fees vary so it's best to shop around for quotes.

Rob McLean from the BSS office said,

"Anybody who has just bought a used boat should reassure themselves that the boat still complies by comparing the boat against the checks detailed in the BSS Guide. If you're about to buy a boat have a marine surveyor do a pre-purchase inspection and report. He or she should be able to tell you if the boat complies with all the safety standards and byelaws."

The Boat Safety Scheme Essential Guide can be bought from the Broads Authority or BSS office for £6.30 plus p+p or downloaded from www.broads-authority.gov.uk or www.boatsafetyscheme.com. The Broads Authority byelaws can also be found on the website. Lists of examiners are available from the Broads Authority on 01603 610734 or the BSS office 01923 201278 or www.boatsafetyscheme.com/search