The National Association of Boat Owners Council has recently contacted the Boat Safety Scheme in an effort to request extensions on expiring BSS certifications.
They argue that, in the present circumstances, an extension of three months in the first instance on expiring BSS certifications would be justified.
With many boaters having to self-isolate or commit to social-distancing amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus, NABO suggest that it would be much more difficult for boaters to be present for, or even allow inspections during this time.
Many inspectors request that owners attend inspections, however, this could prove impossible for self-isolating boaters. Also, if the owner is present, it is not certain they would want an inspector on their boats at this time. The same dilemmas could also apply to the inspectors themselves.
There has been no response from BSS so far, but the request for certification extensions has been put forward.
