| UK. Simpler boat safety scheme on the way |
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| Sunday, 11 July 2004 | |
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Press release: Boat-owners could benefit from a simpler, modernised Boat Safety Scheme under new proposals announced this week. The scheme is often compared to an MOT for boats. The navigation authorities who support it have unveiled proposals to replace its 91 detailed requirements with 34 more general goals. The proposals are intended to apply to all privately-owned boats on the waterways covered by the scheme. Rather than being prescriptive "dos and don'ts", the new goals list principles of good boat maintenance and design that every owner and builder should follow. Fire-fighting equipment, for example, is dealt with in just two goals. The proposed new scheme states that "All vessels must carry specified fire-fighting equipment", and that "All fire fighting equipment must be in good condition and kept readily accessible for safe use in an emergency". The goals seek to minimise risks and prevent pollution. In a change from the current approach, the proposals set out what must be achieved - but not how this must be done. They also set out a new, straightforward appeals procedure for boat-owners. For the first time, the proposals include measures encouraging boaters to protect the environment. Individual boaters are now being asked for their views on these proposed changes. Many boating organisations have already been involved in shaping the new scheme. The changes are detailed in two documents available from the Boat Safety Scheme website, www.boatsafetyscheme.com. Readers have until 30th September to make their views known. If the response is positive, the new scheme will take effect in April 2005. |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 July 2004 ) |
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